Brazil's Ministry of Health showcases digital and specialist initiatives at 39th CONASEMS Congress

The Ministry of Health took part in the 39th National Congress of Municipal Health Secretaries (CONASEMS) in Porto Alegre from July 12‑15, 2026. Over 13,000 municipal health managers attended the event, where the ministry operated an information stand to answer questions on public‑health policies, financing, primary care, specialized assistance, health digital tools and immunisation.

Key topics included the launch of the "Programa Agora Tem Especialistas" (ATE) and "Mais Médicos Especialistas" (MME), which together cover 279 types of surgeries and 46 Integrated Care Offers (OCIs) to streamline patient pathways and reduce waiting lists. Officials highlighted that Brazil’s ageing population and the pandemic have doubled the backlog of elective surgeries, contributing to around 379,000 annual deaths linked to delayed diagnoses.

The congress also featured a debate on the future of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) led by Acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda, who stressed that digital technologies—such as the e‑SUS APS electronic health record, the National Health Data Network (RNDS), artificial intelligence and high‑precision medicine—must be integrated with organisational processes to expand access and reduce inequalities. Presentations showcased a National Network of Intelligent Hospitals, smart ICU units and the Institute of Emergency Technology at the Hospital das Clínicas (USP).

The event marked the second anniversary of the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul and served as a platform for municipal managers to exchange experiences and request technical support from the ministry.