Empoderamento político dos trabalhadores do Sistema Único de Saúde durante a pandemia do coronavírus (COVID-19)

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has been characterized as one of the biggest epidemiological catastrophes predicted in recent decades, requiring a reinterpretation of the State´s role crisis management. Critical analysis from economic, political and social context, the pandemic exposed a system already in crisis, which has been trying for years to maintain the interests of a ruling class, at the expense of the lives of millions of Brazilians. It is dishonest, therefore, to summarize the role of health professionals during the health crisis purely as heroism. The unhealthy and exhausting working conditions, as well as the attacks on science, demand a deep reflection of our health work and the need for a long-abandoned class consciousness. Objective: To empower professionals who are part of municipal public health teams for political praxis through reflections on the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Participants and Methods: This is a qualitative research of an exploratory nature through action research. Three conversation circles were held with six municipal public health professionals to understand their perceptions on the current economic-political context and collectively build coping strategies and strengthening of the Sistema Único de Saúde. Data analysis considered the three meetings, divided into two research phases, using Bardin's Content Analysis technique, in the Thematic Analysis modality. Results: In the two Research Phases, 4 main themes were listed, followed by 30 sub-themes, totaling 406 frequencies. It was observed that the Sistema Único de Saúde’s workers who participated in the research abstained from political praxis because they felt constantly reprimanded and afraid of municipal managers and rulers. Conclusion: The collective disarticulation and deprivation of political praxis among health workers are a consequence of the capitalist mode of production and the current ultra-neoliberal and neo-fascist political conjuncture. There is a need for political awakening and unity among workers to strengthen the SUS and the structural changes that are so necessary and urgent