The 1988 Brazilian Constitution, also called the “Citizen Constitution”, established universal access to health when, in its article 196, it stated that this is the right of all citizens and the Government’s responsibility. Just over a decade later, the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde ) was created, which, in order to respect the principles of universality, integrality and equality established in the Magna Carta, laid down guidelines for decentralization, comprehensive care and popular participation.

Very much inspired at the time on the English health system, SUS is undoubtedly one of the largest public health systems worldwide, responsible for approximately 190 million people, 80% of whom depend exclusively on it to take care of their health, as they do not have access to the private health system. Still, even among those with access to the private system, the use of the public health system is constitutionally guaranteed, without limits or restrictions.

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