Pará hosts Seminar on Primary Health Care focusing on equity and maternal-child care
Among the highlights of the meeting is the update of state co-financing of PHC and the State Pact for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality
The State of Pará will host the Seminar Primary Care in the Territories: Equity, Bonding, and Quality of Care, on August 28 and 29, promoted by the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), through the Directorate of Integral Health Care Policies (DPAIS) in partnership with the Council of Municipal Health Secretaries (Cosems) and the Ministry of Health. The event will take place at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Belém and will bring together managers, health professionals, representatives of social control, and partner institutions to discuss strategies for strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC).
Focusing on access, equity, and the consolidation of the bond between health services and the population, the seminar has the main objectives of: strengthening the role of PHC as coordinator of the health care network, promoting innovative practices that expand access and quality of services, as well as discussing the role of digital health in PHC and the challenges of federal financing, based on quality indicators.
Among the highlights of the meeting is the update of state co-financing of PHC and the State Pact for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality, with the definition of new values and indicators aimed at maternal-child care. During the program, a decree was signed that regulates the transfer of resources from the State to the 144 municipalities in Pará, strengthening the tripartite financing (Union, State, and Municipalities) of the SUS.
The Director of Integral Health Care Policies, Ana Paula Oliva, highlighted that the event of the Government of the State of Pará, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the municipalities, qualifies management and health assistance, expanding the resolution capacity of PHC as the gateway to the SUS. "This strategic initiative strengthens cooperation between government spheres to align policies, optimize resources, and face the unique challenges of the Amazon region. The event reaffirms the commitment to the collective construction of strategies aimed at improving health indicators, expanding coverage, and promoting equitable access to quality services for the population," said Ana Paula.
The event was attended by the Secretary of State for Health of Pará, Ivete Vaz, the Deputy Secretary of Administrative Management of Sespa, Edney Mendes Pereira, and the Deputy Secretary of Health Policy Management of Sespa, Heloísa Guimarães.
"Pará is experiencing a decisive moment in strengthening Primary Health Care. This seminar marks not only a space for debate but also a concrete pact between the State, municipalities, and society to expand access, reduce inequalities, and care for those who need it most. The new model of state co-financing and the Pact for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality reflect our commitment to equity and life, especially for women and children. We are ensuring resources, clear goals, and technical support so that each municipality can advance in the quality of care for the population," emphasized Ivete Vaz, Secretary of State for Health of Pará.
Financing and goals - The monthly transfer totals R$ 3.5 million, with a guarantee of a minimum of R$ 14,000 per municipality (provided that the established goals are met). The new financing model will consist of two parts: 50% fixed, regularly allocated to all municipalities, and 50% variable, conditioned on performance in 20 specific goals – with 14 aimed at the care of pregnant women and postpartum women and 6 for the care of children aged 0 to 2 years.
The variable component will be recalculated every four months, based on data from the information system (Sisaps), and performance ratings that range from "excellent" to "regular."
The health priority established for this financing cycle is maternal-child health, focusing on implementing good practices in the care of women in reproductive risk situations, pregnant women, postpartum women, and children in early childhood, with the aim of reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the State.
Women's health in focus - The seminar was also the stage for an important action in favor of the health of working women. The Basic Health Unit (UBS) Roberto Contente, in the municipality of Abaetetuba, received the Certification of the Breastfeeding Support Room for Working Women Who Breastfeed. The certification is part of the Golden August program, a month dedicated to promoting breastfeeding, which this year has the theme: "In the Chain of Life, breast milk is root, river, and future."
With the certification, the UBS becomes recognized as a space that promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding, especially among women who need to balance motherhood with work. Sespa took the opportunity to invite other municipalities in Pará to adopt the same strategy in their health units.
The Seminar reaffirms the commitment of the State of Pará to the qualification of public health services and to the reduction of inequalities in care, especially among the most vulnerable groups. With concrete measures, well-defined goals, and secured resources, Primary Health Care in Pará advances as a central axis of the organization of the SUS in the Pará territory.
Text: Suellen Santos / Ascom Sespa
