Brazil's Câmara dos Deputados Approves National Mental Health Policy to Expand Post-Pandemic Care
Brazil's legislative body advances a national mental health policy post-pandemic, enhancing access and care quality through SUS, with funding managed by the Ministry of Health.
- • The Câmara dos Deputados approved a national mental health policy to expand post-pandemic care.
- • The policy integrates more mental health professionals across health care levels under SUS.
- • Funding will be managed by the Ministry of Health and allocated to states and municipalities.
- • The proposal aligns with the Psychiatric Reform Law and emphasizes community and basic care.
Key details
The Câmara dos Deputados' Comissão de Finanças e Tributação has approved a legislative proposal to significantly expand access to mental health services in Brazil following the Covid-19 pandemic. The revised Project Law 311/24, originally presented by deputy Leo Prates (PDT-BA) and now supported by relator Laura Carneiro (PSD-RJ), establishes the National Policy for Promoting Access to Mental Health in Brazil Post-Pandemic (PNPASMP).
This new law seeks to improve mental health care by increasing the number of mental health professionals within the Unified Health System (SUS), including psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, physical educators, and community facilitators. It emphasizes integration across basic, specialized, and community care levels while fostering social participation. The policy aligns with Brazil's Psychiatric Reform Law ensuring the protection of people with mental disorders.
Funding will be managed by the Ministry of Health and distributed to states, the Federal District, and municipalities, with criteria to be defined by the Executive Branch. Laura Carneiro highlighted that the proposal is normative, not altering the Union's revenues or expenditures, and anticipates positive fiscal outcomes due to preventive care, which can alleviate the escalating mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic.
Before final enactment, the bill awaits review by the Comissão de Constituição e Justiça e de Cidadania and must be ratified by both the Câmara and the Senate. This policy marks a significant step in national efforts to address mental health challenges and improve community well-being through comprehensive and humane care under SUS principles.