WHAT IS SUS?

SUS is the abbreviation for Unified Health System, which is a healthcare program developed to serve all Brazilian residents, regardless of social and economic status, cultural background and/or geography. SUS is composed by a number of institutions from the three government levels: Federal, State and Municipal governments, and, also, from private sector – the latter is included only when engaged to provide services and activities, therefore acting as parts of the whole.

The Unified Health System (SUS) was enabled by the Federal Constitution reviewed in 1988 and regulated by Law # 8.080/90, which assures the right to Health to all Brazilian citizens and residents. This law is provided by Public Authorities by means of policies, initiatives, and services targeted to mitigate the risk of diseases, as well as to assure health support and recovery.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SUS

All Brazilian citizens and residents of the country.

WHO SUPPORTS SUS

SUS is funded by resources from Federal, State and Municipal governments, which are collected in the form of taxes, fees and social contributions paid by the population. There are also health agencies’ own revenues, including taxes and fines applied by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency.

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM SUS

For benefiting from the public healthcare network, patients must seek a Primary Healthcare Facility (called Unidades Básicas de Saúde – UBS), Specialty Outpatient Medical Facilities (or Ambulatórios Médicos de Especialidades – AMEs), Outpatient Medical Care (AMA), Emergency Medical Sites (UPA 24h) or Hospitals. However, to know which one to go you must understand the services that each one provides.

SERVICES FLOW AT SUS