A atuação do/a assistente social na política de saúde brasileira no contexto neoliberal

Abstract

The work addresses the role of social workers in Brazilian health policy, especially in the neoliberal context. Its purpose is to understand the challenges faced by these professionals, highlighting the importance of their role in promoting health and defending social rights. The research employs a qualitative approach, with a methodological path based on bibliographic and documentary review, allowing for a critical analysis of the transformations in health policy in Brazil and their implications for Social Work. The results show that, although the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS) was an important milestone, the pressures of neoliberalism have generated significant challenges, such as underfunding and fragmentation of access to health services. This impacts the quality of care and the professional practice of social workers, who face ethical dilemmas and increasing bureaucratization. The conclusions emphasize the need for critical and continuous training for these professionals, stressing the importance of social mobilization and social control in defending a public and universal health system.