Brazil Chamber of Deputies approves epilepsy care program

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to establish a comprehensive care program for individuals with epilepsy. The proposal, which now moves to the Senate for analysis, is based on a substitute text provided by rapporteur Laura Carneiro (PSD-RJ) for Bill 5538/19.

The program aims to provide integrated care to reduce clinical manifestations and sequelae while combating social stigmatization. Under the plan, patients will have regulated access to primary, specialized, and hospital care, including medications, diagnostic exams, and surgical or therapeutic procedures.

Additionally, the initiative includes educational actions to raise awareness about the condition. This includes specific training for public education and public transportation professionals to help them recognize epileptic seizures and provide pre-hospital care. The program is designed to utilize existing structures within the Unified Health System (SUS).