The management of the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions for the SUS manager

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges faced by the state managers of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences for their personal lives. From interviews with state managers, it became evident that the pandemic implied the replanning of health actions and services, the structuring of new hospital services and beds, the use of telemedicine, and the hiring and training of professionals. It also exposed the lack of integrated policies and national coordination, which led to states adopting different strategies. These factors, as well as the politicization of the pandemic, the denial of the disease, and the attempt of the federal government to impose ineffective treatments for COVID-19 were considered among the greatest difficulties experienced by managers. Managing the SUS became a risky exercise, with deleterious repercussions not only for themselves and their management, but also for their families and friends. If, on the one hand, the strenuous context affected the managers’ physical and mental health, who began dealing with overweight, anxiety, and anguish, on the other hand, it was a source of motivation for catalyzing solidarity, empathy, and sharing among political actors.