SUS performs over 7.5 million elective surgeries in first half of 2026

Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) performed over 7.5 million elective surgeries in the first half of 2026, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This represents an additional 608,000 procedures.

The growth was observed across 20 states, with the highest increases occurring in the Distrito Federal (31%), Sergipe (25%), Paraíba (23%), Bahia (20%), and Ceará (20%).

A significant portion of these procedures, totaling 2.92 million, was carried out through the ‘Agora Tem Especialistas’ program. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times for medium and high-complexity care by utilizing medical task forces, mobile health units, sanitary transport, and telehealth services.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha stated that the results reflect ongoing efforts to expand SUS capacity. The Ministry of Health projects that elective surgeries in Brazil will exceed 15 million in 2026, surpassing the 14.9 million recorded in 2025.