Caiado launches health plan, contrasts with Bolsonaro

Ronaldo Caiado, the PSD party's presidential candidate, has announced his government plan for healthcare, aiming to address critical issues within Brazil's public health system if elected in 2026. The proposal emphasizes reducing wait times in the Unified Health System (SUS) and prioritizing preventive medicine.

During the announcement in São Paulo, Caiado highlighted his support for social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This stance serves to differentiate him from former President Jair Bolsonaro, who opposed such measures. Bolsonaro's son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, now represents his father's political position in the upcoming election.

Luiz Henrique Mandetta, Bolsonaro's former Health Minister who was dismissed over disagreements on pandemic responses, attended the event and assisted in developing Caiado's proposal. While Mandetta has stated he is not actively seeking a return to public office, he did not rule out the possibility of serving in a future government, suggesting he would evaluate the situation after the election.

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We have to believe in those who do science, who take care of people.

Caiado, a physician himself, criticized the resurgence of measles cases, attributing it to an anti-vaccine sentiment that he believes grew during Bolsonaro's administration. He stressed the importance of trusting scientific evidence and healthcare professionals. His plan also includes digitizing health records for easier patient access and implementing a results-based management system for SUS, potentially using artificial intelligence to support healthcare workers.

The proposal also addresses prenatal care and mental health services, aiming for a comprehensive approach to public health. Caiado criticized the federal government's budget allocations for health, suggesting that aid is distributed unevenly based on political alliances.

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Mandetta was minister at the most delicate moment in the country.