FIESMED program reduces doctor turnover in Brazil's SUS

A study by the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicates that the FIESMED program is effectively reducing physician turnover and strengthening primary health care within the Unified Health System (SUS), particularly in vulnerable regions.

FIESMED provides financial benefits by offering grace periods and reducing debt from the Student Financing Fund (FIES). In 2024, the average turnover rate in primary care among FIESMED participants was 43.5%, compared to 68.9% for non-participants. Additionally, the average tenure for participants was 9.4 months, while non-participants averaged 7.6 months.

The impact is most significant in the North region, where turnover among benefited doctors dropped from 80.6% to 31.3%. Jérzey Timóteo, Deputy Secretary of Labor Management and Health Education at the Ministry of Health, stated that the program acts as a bridge for professionals facing the financial burden of their training, helping to secure medical presence in priority areas.