The invisible presence of local health councils

Abstract

This article presents results of a study about the Local Health Councils (LHC), emphasizing their performance and difficulties faced in order to defend and promote the rights of users. It is a case study, with a qualitative approach, about two LHCs in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, using semi-structured interviews, direct observation and analysis of minutes. Three thematic categories arose from the analysis: invisibility of LHCs; lack of awareness, disbelief and dependence from competent agencies; alternatives in order to emerge from anonymity. Lack of dissemination of the meetings, functions and activities of the LHCs contribute to their invisibility. The Sociology of Absences supported the understanding of how hegemonic monocultures can reinforce the invisibility of LHCs. It is important to emphasize in this study the alternatives pointed out by members of the LHCs in order to become visible and stimulate social participation such as: capacity building strategies directed to health professionals; greater interaction with the Municipal Health Council; improve the dissemination of actions and achievements of LHCs; as well as mechanisms to facilitate the identification of LHC members.