The Shortage of Healthcare Professionals in Outlying Regions of Brazil and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflections on Immigrant Integration and the Realization of the Right to Health

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the issue of foreign-trained medical graduates who are unable to practice medicine in Brazil. Employing a combination of the hypothetical-deductive method and a documentary and bibliographical approach, our research aimed to explore the potential relaxation of legal restrictions for immigrant physicians, particularly in exceptional circumstances of a pandemic. By analyzing the Brazilian context, we delved into the legal aspects surrounding the discussion of allowing immigrant doctors to practice during a pandemic. Through data analysis and an examination of recent experiences in teaching and healthcare, we concluded that the flexibility of the Revalida exam offers a promising solution to enhance healthcare access and integrate immigrant doctors, harnessing their valuable skills for the benefit of Brazilian society.