Participação e conselhos de saúde em Aracaju/SE

Abstract

Considering the importance of society's participation in the definition, execution, and monitoring of public policies, this study aims to discuss institutionalized participation in health policy in Brazil, focusing on the health councils of Aracaju/Sergipe. To this end, it was necessary to engage in a theoretical-conceptual debate about participation, democracy, and civil society, and to outline the path taken by participation in health policy at the national level and in the state of Sergipe. The overall objective is to identify the processes of structuring and dynamics of the Health Councils of Aracaju as a primary tool for social participation and the expansion of democracy. Specific objectives were delineated: To situate the theoretical-conceptual debate on participation and civil society; To describe the historical trajectory of building social participation in health policy; To analyze the trajectory of health councils in Aracaju/Sergipe as spaces for oversight. Guided by the theory of historical-dialectical materialism, bibliographic and qualitative research was used. The choice of this theoretical perspective was defined by the need to understand the multiple and contradictory relations established in health councils. In this context, it was found that the councils are fertile spaces for participation, as well as for the expansion of participatory democracy. Furthermore, it was found that the councils have potentialities and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. Moreover, it was noted that the theoretical production on councils in the state of Sergipe underwent a shift starting in 2010, lacking further studies. It is concluded that, for the continuity of the operationalization of health policy from a democratic perspective, it is necessary to strengthen participation in institutional spaces so that, along with popular participation through social movements, they can fight for health defense.