O SUS na radioterapia do estado do Maranhão: desafios e perspectivas

Abstract

This article analyzes the challenges and perspectives of the Unified Health System (SUS) in offering radiotherapy in the state of Maranhão. Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment; however, the accessibility and quality of this service are often limited, including in Maranhão. The objective is to identify the main barriers faced by the public health network to guarantee access to radiotherapy treatment in the state and its unequal geographic distribution of oncological treatments in the region, highlighting its challenges and prospects for improvements. To this end, a descriptive design methodology is used with a quantitative approach, using secondary data and official documents from the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT) and the National Nuclear Energy Commission - CNEN, to obtain information on the supply of radiotherapy in the state of Maranhão, including the amount of equipment and its demand. It was observed in the results that there is a lack of devices and unequal distribution of them among the cities of the state, considering that only three have the device intended for treatment, making it impossible to meet all the existing demand, in addition to making access difficult, thus as, other cities in the same region, when compared. Allowing us to conclude that it is essential that there is the implementation of public policies that allow the improvement of access and quality of radiotherapy services in Maranhão so that there is a reduction in inequalities and the guarantee of efficient and equitable oncological care for patients.