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

Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) performed more than 7.5 million elective surgeries during the first half of 2026, according to data from the Ministry of Health. This represents an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, totaling approximately 608,000 additional procedures.

The growth in surgical volume was recorded across 20 states and the Federal District. Notable increases were seen in the Federal District (31%), Sergipe (25%), Paraíba (23%), Bahia (20%), and Ceará (20%).

Additionally, surgeries under the ‘Agora Tem Especialistas’ program grew by 9%, with over 2.92 million procedures conducted between January and June 2026. This program, which provides federal co-financing for priority specialized procedures, aims to expand specialized care capacity and reduce patient waiting times. Ceará led the growth within this specific program at 29%.