Digital Health in Maré is a pioneering SUS (Brazilian public health system) project that provides online consultations to residents of Maré, connecting them to professionals from the six Primary Health Care Units (UBS) in Maré and expanding access to public health care. In addition to offering telehealth services, the initiative creates indicators and methodologies that allow the model to be replicated in other favelas and peripheral areas of Brazil, contributing to more effective public policies based on evidence and territoriality.

The project is the result of coordination among Redes da Maré, the Ministry of Health, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro. Based on its experience and methodology of mobilization and territorial articulation, Redes da Maré acts directly in the implementation of the project in the territory, informing and raising awareness among residents about the services offered through community articulators. In this way, the institution plays a fundamental role in strengthening shared governance, articulating local knowledge and experiences with public policies.

Its role goes beyond governance, involving everything from implementation to follow-up and the production of evaluation and monitoring data for public policy. This joint coordination stands out as one of the main factors behind the initiative’s success and points to the successful construction of public policy models in favela and peripheral territories.

THE SIX HEALTH UNITS IN MARÉ RECEIVED THE PROJECT

The implementation of Digital Health took place gradually in the six Primary Health Care Units (UBS) in Maré: Diniz Batista dos Santos, Adib Jatene, Américo Veloso, Augusto Boal, Jeremias Moraes da Silva, and Vila do João. Among the main benefits for the population are the reduction in waiting time for appointments with health professionals, faster follow-up for the delivery of test results, easier monitoring of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and optimization of patient flow in the Primary Health Care Units.

Teleconsultations began with care provided by doctors and nurses and are being expanded to other multidisciplinary areas, such as psychologists, pharmacists, and nutritionists. Appointments can be scheduled through the minhasaude.rio application, available for free download, or by accessing the website www.minhasaude.rio.

DIGITAL HEALTH IN THE MEDIA