Brazil's Health Ministry expands telehealth for gambling addiction

The Ministry of Health plans to broaden telephone and video‑call services for people with gambling‑related disorders within the public health system (SUS) before the end of the year. The tele‑attendance program, launched in March in partnership with the Hospital Sírio‑Libanês, has already registered 6,912 users.

The expansion will require roughly R$ 70 million in investments and is funded partly by the R$ 45.7 million the ministry received from the social allocation of betting‑tax revenue, which represents 1 % of the total collection. An additional R$ 6 million will finance a nationwide research study to assess how gambling affects Brazilian health and identify the most vulnerable groups.

The service is accessed through the Meu SUS Digital app, which includes an auto‑test and directs users to tele‑consultations, health centers or specialized psychosocial care units as needed. The initiative is part of the broader plan to strengthen the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) and improve preventive and therapeutic measures for gambling addiction.