Brazil Senate advances health funding for firefighters and raises doctors' pay floor

The Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs approved a proposal allowing parliamentary amendments earmarked for pre‑hospital care by the fire service to be counted as health expenses. The measure, PLP 18/2021, moves to the Committee on Economic Affairs and requires at least half of individual amendments to support health, with eligibility defined by the Ministry of Health. Senators warned the change could set a precedent, while supporters said it would improve emergency care funding.

In a separate vote, the same committee approved a bill to lift the national minimum wage for doctors and dentists from R$ 3,636 to R$ 13,662 for a 20‑hour work week, increase night‑shift and overtime rates, and set new rest‑break and leadership requirements. Authored by Senator Daniella Ribeiro, the plan would affect public and private sectors and is projected to cost about R$ 7.7 billion by 2027. The proposal is now headed to the Chamber of Deputies.