Venezuelan migrants and the right to health: perceptions of nursing technicians at a general hospital

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perceptions of nursing technicians at a general hospital regarding Venezuelan immigration and the right to health. Method: Qualitative research with an exploratory and descriptive approach using participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 15 technicians. Bardin's framework was used to analyze the data. Results: Most interviewees associated immigrants with a worsening quality of local life and an overload of health services. Only four considered immigration and its consequences to be a humanitarian issue, showing empathy with immigrants. Many were aware of the principle of universality that characterizes the Brazilian health system but disagreed with the immigrant's right to free access to health services. There was a strong depreciation of public health. Conclusion: Most of the interviewees opposed the immigration of Venezuelans and their speeches contained traces of xenophobia, prejudice, and discrimination. The study allowed us to broaden our understanding of the care processes of health professionals in the context of migratory crises.