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The main changes to the Mais Médicos program and the main controversy are being understood. Find out more!
The return of the Mais Médicos program was approved by the Chamber of Deputies last Wednesday (14). Thus, in the coming months, the policy that helps expand the Unified Health System (SUS) and serves regions lacking healthcare professionals is expected to become law again.
It is important to emphasize that the basic text of the provisional measure related to the project was voted on favorably. In addition, since it is a provisional measure, the policies related to this program have already been in effect since March of this year.
However, the Chamber of Deputies removed one of the most sensitive points of the Mais Médicos program from the basic text. Now, it will be up to the Federal Senate to determine whether or not this policy will definitively become law.
Details of the Mais Médicos program
In summary, the basic text of the Mais Médicos program was approved by a wide majority, with 353 votes in favor and 58 against. In this regard, the new policy seeks to encourage professionals who work longer in areas lacking healthcare services, including through the use of the Student Financing Fund (Fies):
- 20% of the grant for professionals who remain for four years in vulnerable areas identified by the Ministry of Health;
- 10% of the grant for those who work for four years in municipalities where it is difficult to retain professionals;
- 80% of the grant for those who work in vulnerable areas (Fies);
- 40% of the grant for professionals who work in municipalities where it is difficult to retain professionals (Fies).
In addition, the Senate must now approve or reject the text that turns the Mais Médicos program into law. This issue must be voted on within the next 120 days, since its validity expires on August 2.
Controversial point
One of the most debated points among lawmakers was the possibility of doctors trained abroad joining the Mais Médicos program without having to take the Revalida exam. This issue was highly controversial.
In this regard, José Guimarães (PT), a representative and government leader, advocated in the Chamber of Deputies for the removal of this point, thereby facilitating the approval of the Mais Médicos program, which received an overwhelming majority of favorable votes.
