Invisibility of Amazonian singularities in the design and provision of Primary Health Care (PHC) services: Case study in the rural riverside area of Manaus (AM)

Abstract

The Amazon region encompasses a heterogenous territory with singular geographic features, that harbous different vulnerable populations, which require the development of abilities and innovations by health services. However, answers to this challenge become even more distant in the face of a marketing logic that tends to make differences invisible and privilege certain territories. In this scenario, our study analyzed the creation of a Basic River Health Unit (UBSF), seeking to understand how the needs and singularities of riverside rural areas are included in the planning and execution of health services. To that end, interviews with health services managers and professionals and observations of health care professionals during daily activities were carried out. The results showed the forecast of services, with specific formats and resources for the Amazonian fluvial areas, was an opportunity for the specificities of the region to be evidenced and for more resources, including financial ones, being considered for these localities. However, they also showed that the services offered are still planned in a hierarchical way and organized and executed for urban areas, which points to the need for adaptations.