Brazil’s system of public healthcare, the Sistema Único de Saúde—Unified Health System (SUS), was established in 1988 following the end of the country’s military dictatorship. This system operates on a Beveridgian model, which means it is tax-financed and provides care that is free at the point of service for all citizens. The SUS is designed to be a universal healthcare system, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical services without facing financial barriers.
Funding for Brazil’s free healthcare system comes primarily from taxes. The government collects taxes from various sources, including income taxes, value-added taxes, and social contributions. These funds are then allocated to support the SUS, covering expenses such as salaries for healthcare professionals, medical equipment, medications, and the operation of healthcare facilities. By pooling resources through taxation, the SUS can provide a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments, to the entire population.
The establishment of the SUS marked a significant step towards providing equitable healthcare access in Brazil. Despite challenges such as limited resources and regional disparities, the system has made progress in improving health outcomes across the country. It has become a crucial safety net for millions of Brazilians who would otherwise struggle to afford medical care. By ensuring that healthcare is a right for all citizens, rather than a privilege for the few, Brazil’s free healthcare system embodies the principle of social solidarity.
(Response: Brazil pays for its free healthcare through a tax-financed system, primarily funded by various taxes collected by the government. This approach, established with the creation of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) in 1988, ensures that all citizens have access to essential medical services without financial barriers.)