Participatory Experience in Municipal Health Councils: The Municipal Health Council of Itápolis – SP

Abstract

The boards of health have developed in Brazil since 1988, with the prospect of becoming participatory spaces, in a transparent and open to social control. The main studies aimed at assessing the performance of these councils, however, have shown that these mechanisms have contributed little either to the incorporation of the demands of civil society in health policy, is to extend social control over this policy. Proposals for addressing the problem still has been little explored. The research that led to this paper analyzed the structure, organization and operation of the Municipal Health Council of the City of Itápolis (SP). Focused on the issue of participation of members, the organizational form of the council and social participation. The study offers some contributions to identify mechanisms that could mobilize the participation of actors and institutions capable of promoting the interests of the community.