A IMPORTÂNCIA DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA NA SAÚDE PÚBLICA: UM OLHAR CRÍTICO SOBRE AS UNIDADES BÁSICAS DE SAÚDE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7431125180315

• Palavras-chave: Atenção Primária à Saúde, Unidades Básicas de Saúde, SUS, qualidade dos serviços, participação social.

• Keywords: Primary Health Care, Basic Health Units, SUS, quality of services, social participation.

• Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the importance of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the context of the Unified Health System (SUS), focusing on Basic Health Units (UBS), and to identify the main challenges to its effectiveness. The research revealed the urgent need for a more integrated approach between the government and the communities, aiming at improving the quality of the services offered. The meticulous evaluation of the Basic Health Units revealed the presence of several vulnerabilities, including the lack of appropriate infrastructure, the insufficiency of qualified health professionals and the lack of community involvement in the development of health strategies. These deficiencies compromise the capacity of the UBS to provide comprehensive and quality care to the population, contributing to the overload of medium and high complexity services. The research concluded that the lack of investment in infrastructure, the appreciation of health professionals and social participation are crucial factors for the improvement of PHC. More effective management of resources, provision of appropriate working conditions and encouragement of community participation in health-related decisions are fundamental actions to ensure access to and excellence in health services.