Diagnóstico da adequação das unidades básicas de saúde em edificações de uso original diferente: estudo de caso em Itaporanga D'ajuda, SE

Abstract

The right to primary health care is intrinsically linked to the right to the city and inclusive urban planning, grounded in principles of social justice. As the entry point to the healthcare system, primary health care plays an essential role in promoting the well-being of the population. In rural areas, access to primary health care faces specific challenges, such as the scarcity of Basic Health Units (UBS), large distances between these units, and, as addressed in this study, theinadequacy of many buildings initially intended for other purposes. The equitable and adequate distribution of these units is crucial to ensure that the rural population, often isolated and lacking infrastructure, has access to basic health care services. The main objective of this study is to develop a checklist, based on theoretical references, for analyzing existing UBS. The methodology included, initially, the construction of a theoretical foundation that provided essential knowledge on the topic. Then, a diagnostic checklist was developed, primarily based on the RDC Resolution No. 50 of February 21, 2002, and the Physical Structure Manual for Basic Health Units. After its completion, the checklist was applied to the chosen area, Itaporanga D’Ajuda in the state of Sergipe, covering ten pre-existing BHUs, of which nine were effectively evaluated. The results indicated that only three BHUs achieved a compliance rate of 50% or higher in terms of use and function. Regarding accessibility, only one unit reached 36% of environmental comfort, only two units reached the same compliance rate of 36%. These findings lead to the conclusion that most of the analyzed units are not adequately prepared to fulfill their designated function. Based on these results, design guidelines have been proposed, aligned with current standards.