The Welfare State Crisis Impacts on Security and Public Health in Brazil

Abstract

Context: The present article probes the crisis of the welfare state in Brazil, pinpointing its reflections in social security and public health brought about by austerity. It investigates the establishment and problems of the SUS, social inequality and what communication ought to be like for it to incorporate transparency in practices within government, via citizens. It puts forward strategies to strengthen the SUS via alliances between government and society, targeting effectiveness, transparency and social participation. Problem: The welfare state crisis in Brazil creates the conditions for dismantling safety nets, intensified by economic austerity and public spending cuts. This situation leads to the incapacity of States as a provider of fundamental rights, leading to inequality and vulnerability for populations. Although the SUS is a universal health system committed to ensuring equal access, it suffers from underfinancing and poor management, resulting in compromised performance. Also, ad-hoc work precariousness and social security reforms flesh out the unfounded part of the claim about disembodied Social Protection gaps. In turn, the absence of effective and transparent communication between the public sector and civil society aggravates these issues, hampering both resource mobilization as well as the layering and execution of efficient inclusive public policies. Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the crisis of the welfare state in Brazil and its effects on social security burden, affecting public health. It was sought to identify the SUS and social security challenges, emphasizing that financing must be sufficient and management more functional. In addition, it intended to demonstrate the spoken language as a theme of public importance and to suggest actions in order for inclusion, communication, and social participation to advance the formulation of SUS. Methods: This research is carried out through a qualitative methodology, involving a literature review and documentary examination of academic and governmental sources. The critical analysis of texts and statistical data on SUS and social security identifies challenges and proposes concise problem-solving solutions. The convergence of data guarantees the effectiveness and sustainability of the outcomes as well. Results: This is an exploratory study which makes use of the qualitative method research, through a literature review and documentary analysis with academic sources (articles) and government sites. The reading of the books and statistical information from the Unified Health System (SUS) as well as social welfare was used for critical analysis to identify main challenges, offering possibilities with respect to solutions. It is a valid method to triangulate data from different sources, since it gives reliability to the results. Conclusions: The crisis of the Brazilian welfare state, combined with austerity policies, leads to greater poverty and precariousness. More than ever, SUS and social security need investments suitable to their capacity of providing care to the population, effective management, and partnerships that arise from collaboration between public sector institutions and society as a whole. It is necessary to advocate for transparency, which, when combined with social control, allows people and organizations to cooperate in their defense of an equitable health system.