Brazil Advances National Health Policies Enhancing Patient Safety and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Support
Brazil implements new national health policies to boost patient safety and support individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- • Brazil's Ministry of Health established the Política Nacional de Qualidade e Segurança do Paciente (PNQSP) to enhance patient safety across the Unified Health System (SUS).
- • PNQSP shifts healthcare from reactive error punishment to proactive prevention, integrating patient safety in SUS planning and financing.
- • The Câmara dos Deputados approved a law creating the National Policy for Attention to People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, focusing on learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD.
- • The new law mandates educational and public evaluation adaptations and sets 17 guidelines for early identification and support, ensuring equitable rights and combating discrimination.
Key details
On June 9, 2026, Brazil's Ministry of Health launched the Política Nacional de Qualidade e Segurança do Paciente (PNQSP), a comprehensive policy designed to enhance patient safety and healthcare quality within the Unified Health System (SUS). This policy aims to transition from a reactive approach focused on error punishment to a proactive, systemic model prioritizing risk prevention and patient-centered care. According to Cleide Mazuela from the Technical Chamber of Legislation and Norms, PNQSP broadens previous patient safety initiatives and aligns with World Health Organization standards by integrating safety into SUS planning, financing, and promoting active participation from patients and caregivers. The policy also empowers Patient Safety Centers, mainly led by nursing professionals, to promote prevention and quality improvement. Complementing this, on June 18, the Câmara dos Deputados approved a new law establishing the National Policy for Attention to People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, targeting those with learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD. Authored by deputies Alex Manente, Amom Mandel, and Any Ortiz, and reported by Andreia Siqueira, the law mandates tailored adaptations for educational and public assessments, including additional time and less distracting environments. It outlines 17 guidelines focused on early identification, individualized planning, fighting discrimination, and ensuring equitable access across educational and professional settings. Both policies underscore Brazil's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and social inclusion, with implementation relying on budget cooperation among federal, state, and municipal authorities, alongside the Ministries of Health and Education.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
