Brazil launches National Patient Safety and Quality Policy for SUS

Patient safety policy SUS Brazil health ministry quality of care risk reduction

On 10 June, Brazil's Ministry of Health began implementing the National Policy of Quality and Patient Safety in the Unified Health System (SUS) nationwide. Published in the Official Gazette, the policy sets progressive guidelines for public and private health services—including philanthropic, civil, military, teaching and research institutions—to continuously improve care, reduce avoidable risks and adverse events, and promote patient‑centered services.

Key objectives include lowering incident rates, integrating care across primary, hospital, urgent and home settings, ensuring safe medication use, preventing infections, guaranteeing correct patient identification and enhancing team communication. The policy also mandates greater patient, family and caregiver involvement in clinical decisions and incorporates digital technologies and innovation.

Implementation and monitoring will be shared among the Union, states, the Federal District and municipalities, with the Ministry of Health coordinating national strategy, defining indicators, providing technical support and delivering training. The initiative aligns with the existing National Patient Safety Program to advance structured quality improvements throughout Brazil's health sector.