THE ROLE OF THE PHYSICIAN IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WITHIN THE BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS)

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the main entry point to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), with physicians playing a central role in organizing and qualifying health care. This chapter aims to analyze the role of physicians in PHC within the SUS, highlighting their clinical, managerial, and educational responsibilities. The methodology consists of a narrative literature review based on scientific publications, normative documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and national guidelines related to Primary Health Care and the Family Health Strategy. The results show that physicians in PHC provide comprehensive and continuous care, being responsible for clinical assistance, coordination of care within the health care network, health promotion, disease prevention, and strengthening bonds with users and the community. Their active participation in multiprofessional teamwork and in planning health actions is also emphasized, contributing to service effectiveness. It is concluded that physicians play a strategic role in strengthening the principles of the SUS, such as universality, comprehensiveness, and equity, being essential for the effectiveness of Primary Health Care and for improving population health outcomes.