On Friday (17), the National Congress overturned President Jair Bolsonaro’s veto on amending the minimum wages for community health workers and agents to combat endemic disease.
Lawmakers vetoed this veto after an agreement among congressional leaders, which allowed his inclusion with others that ended up ousting him as a bloc.
The amendment to the so-called ACS and ACEs was included in the text of the Annual Budget Act.
With regard to this provision in particular, the Federal Government justified its veto by saying that the distinction in the adjustment of these budget categories would not have a direct bearing on the programmatic structure of the respective bodies. This may lead to overlapping procedures and undermining the quality of program budget classification.
“Furthermore, it should be clarified that CHWs operate as an integral part of primary health care, which includes other expenditures programmed from orientation to the stated outcome, such as the qualification of this modality of health care,” states the justification for the veto.
“Separation of the resources referred to in these provisions into specific programs would create risks to budget efficiency, favor fragmentation of the operating strategy, violate the concept of program budget, and for this reason, the legislative proposal is contrary to the public interest,” the text is complete.
Community health agents are part of the family health strategy. They are formed by and operate in the communities themselves, and have a closer relationship with a particular site.
When celebrating the overthrow of the veto, parliamentarians highlighted the role of these professionals in the fight against the pandemic.
“Community health agents, as well as other health professionals, have worked extensively during the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Carmen Zanotto (Cidadania-SC), who took the opportunity to seek approval for the National Nursing Floor — which has already been approved by the Senate.
“The overthrow of the veto is essential to ensure a fair salary adjustment for community health staff and agents to combat endemic diseases. It is unacceptable, in the time we live in, that we fail to appreciate those professionals who have an essential role in fighting the epidemic and in strengthening the link between health system structures and societies Local. A big victory,” says PSOL leader Talíria Petrone (RJ).
Representative Hildo Rocha (MDB-MA) also highlighted their presence in the communities most in need, working directly on prevention with residents.
“We know the importance of these professionals for preventive health. They are the great health warriors, who are in all the municipalities, and they are in their homes. During the period of the epidemic, they have shown the great importance they attach to the entire Brazilian people,” he stated.
“We cannot help but realize this. The best way to recognize and appreciate the work of a professional is precisely his remuneration. Which is to recognize the importance of a unified health system, which is important for Brazilian public health”, accomplished.
In the same block of inverted veto, lawmakers re-established a provision granting health care to civilian police officers in the Federal District and their families.
The government argued the veto’s justification was inconsistent with legislation that has taken exceptional measures while fighting the pandemic, which prohibits granting any adjustments and benefits to public servants.
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