The Family Health Strategy in the restructuring of Primary Health Care in the municipalities of the 26th regional development secretariat

This study had as it theme the contribution of the Family Health Strategy in the restructuring of primary health care. The study used qualitative and quantitative exploration, covering the municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants that make up part of the 26th Regional Development Secretariat (SDR) of Canoinhas. The municipalities surveyed were: Bela Vista do Toldo, Três Barras, Major Vieira and Irineópolis. The general objective was to investigate the implementation of the FHS in these municipalities and its contribution in the restructuring of primary health care. A total of 113 professionals who composed the 18 FHSs of the municipalities studied were interviewed. Regarding the results of the field research, it was found that the contribution of the FHS in the restructuring of PHC is limited and modest in the region. The FHS guidelines are not being met in full in any of the municipalities studied. It was concluded that the FHS is not contributing to the restructuring of PHC. It is essential and urgent that the FHS teams perform their real function. For this to occur, the municipal health councils, managers and coordinators of the FHS, need to ensure compliance with the standards and guidelines of the strategy by the professionals. It is also necessary that the investments destined for the actions of primary healthcare and the FHS are available to cover health expenditures in actions aimed at prevention and treatment of the users.