The indirect judicialization of health: a case study on the Experience of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim/ES

Abstract

This work's scope is to analyze and understand a theme apparently incipient and not yet investigated: the indirect judicialization of health. The phenomenon crystallizes when questions inherent to the right to health are examined by the judiciary branch as a superficial matter or incidental form and not as the main object of a filed action. 263 civil actions, filed during the year of 2013 in the 1st Court of Childhood and Youth of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim/ES, were analyzed through case study methodology. The research identified important elements that characterize the theme, with prominence the role of the Public Prosecutor, which was responsible for the vast majority of requirements that they postulated the application of Protective Measures Incidental (92,1%) and the high concentration of requests defendants that focused on treatment against child and adolescent drug addiction (52,2%). In the end, the need to establish institutional and interdisciplinary dialogue between the constituted government, the actors that make up the system of guarantee of rights of the Children and Adolescents (SGDCA) and civil society organizations was pointed out, with the objective of developing and implementing nonexistent public health policies and improving those already in operation.

Children and Adolescents Right to Health; Public Health Policies; Incidental Protection Measures; Indirect Judicialization of Health