What made the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program possible?

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Political Science
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Analyzes the political process behind the Mais Médicos Program (PMM) adoption.
• Examines the insertion of medical doctor supply and training issues for the SUS into the governmental agenda.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify actors involved in placing medical workforce shortages on the governmental agenda.
• Understand the formulation and adoption of the Mais Médicos Program (PMM) as a policy solution.

Main Methods:

• Employs process tracing methodology.
• Utilizes documentary analysis, bibliographic review, and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Identified agenda-setting factors: issue aggravation, increased public perception, and government transition.
• Highlighted the crucial role of the President and policy entrepreneurs in PMM formulation, leveraging past policies.
• Challenged the view of PMM as a hasty response to the 'June Journeys', noting strategic use of electoral cycles.

Conclusions:

• The Mais Médicos Program (PMM) resulted from a complex interplay of factors, including strategic political action and historical policy legacies.
• Governmental agenda-setting for medical workforce issues was influenced by public perception and political timing.
• Policy entrepreneurs and presidential action were decisive in formulating the PMM, despite opposition from medical entities.