Public-Private Partnerships as a Public Health Management Strategy in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: A Historical Overview

Abstract

Novel strategies for improving the management of public health services have been the object of discussion in Brazil since the implantation of the universal public healthcare system. Public-private partnerships are among the options in the quest for greater efficiency in the offer of public health services. A novel health management model implemented by the Secretary of Health of the state of São Paulo involving Social Health Organizations (SHOs) has achieved good results, with quite positive indicators of efficiency, quality of care and the economy of financial resources, constituting a successful public health management experience in the state. Further studies are needed at medical specialty clinics administrated by SHOs, with an emphasis on aspects related to health indicators and the quality of life of the population.