A memória e história de uma política pública intersetorial de alcance nacional: o Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE)

Abstract

The research consisted of an investigation, from a historical perspective, into the conception of the School Health Program (PSE), established in 2007 by presidential decree No. 6.286, with the aim of bringing actions to public schools that promote, prevent and address health in order to reduce the vulnerability of children and adolescents in their full development. It was set up under the auspices of the Ministries of Education and Health, and has been implemented through states, the Federal District and municipalities adhering to the program's objectives and guidelines. As a research procedure, it was decided to use oral history, through interviews, due to the lack of documents and bibliography that would allow a deeper understanding of its conception. Five interviews were conducted with professionals who had already held the position of general coordinator and technical director of the program at the time of its conception and restructuring. The hypothesis investigated was that the program represented a milestone in the work of the Ministries of Education and Health. The absence of the Ministry of Social Development in this partnership was also investigated. The results of the research show that the determining and fundamental factor in the conception of the PSE was the democratic political context, which made the scenario fertile for the germination and development of public policies in a more integral direction. Territorialization was also a key element, with the creation of inter-ministerial working groups and the definition of actions articulated with the basic public education network, in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the SUS. A challenge that was emphasized in the intersectoral work within the program was the relationship between two monumental policies, the largest in the Esplanade, Health and Education, each with its own distinct networks and purposes. In addition, the interviewees unanimously agreed that the lack of Social Assistance in the PSE compromised the development of broader actions