Rio Grande do Sul expands SUS medical specialties to reduce waiting lists

The government of Rio Grande do Sul has signed ordinances to expand medical specialties and outpatient services within the Unified Health System (SUS) to reduce patient waiting lists by 2027.

Starting in October, the expansion will include adult and pediatric neurology, adult and pediatric gastroenterology, adult coloproctology, vascular surgery for varicose veins, hearing rehabilitation, and surgical otorhinolaryngology. Additionally, 15 new outpatient clinics will be established to treat overweight and obesity. Further expansions in rheumatology, ocular plastic ophthalmology, and arterial vascular surgery are planned for November.

To improve transparency, the state is introducing two digital tools: GurIA, which provides appointment details and reminders, and Prontuário Cidadão, which allows patients to track their request status, medical priority, and estimated wait times. The initiative is funded by state resources intended to supplement federal transfers, with an investment goal of approximately R$ 700 million in 2026 and R$ 1 billion by the end of 2027. To encourage service delivery, the state may pay rates higher than the national SUS table for certain specialties.