Brazil's SUS expands orthopedic surgeries by 67% by 2025

The Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil increased the number of orthopedic surgeries from 494,800 in 2022 to an estimated 829,000 in 2025, a rise of 67.5%. The growth is part of the "Agora Tem Especialistas" program, which aims to broaden access to specialist consultations, exams and procedures in high‑demand areas. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha said, "We are expanding access to surgeries that transform people's lives. When a patient regains the ability to walk, work or perform daily activities without pain, we are talking about more quality of life and dignity."

All regions reported increases. Minas Gerais saw a 92.6% jump, Goiás a 150.8% surge, Ceará 108.8%, Rio Grande do Norte 97.8%, Pará 42.4%, and the Southern states combined a 90% rise. São Paulo remained the largest producer with 133,900 procedures in 2025, up 43.2% from 2022. The expansion reflects expanded capacity for surgeries of the knee, hip, spine, shoulder and other corrective procedures, improving mobility, functional capacity and social participation for patients nationwide.