Health regionalization and financing: a case study

Abstract In Brazil, states have increased their participation in the development of health policies. This study aimed to analyze the decision-making process of the State government of Pernambuco on the priorities for investment, both with respect to primary care and in the regionalization process, from the perspective of several actors. The study is exploratory, cross-sectional, using quantitative and qualitative approaches. We analyzed the State health expenses and interviewed 18 informants, representing municipalities, state and federal government, in addition to two local groups with municipal managers and representatives of the State Board of Health. The results show differences of the actors on the definition of priorities and, according to the majority, there is a lack of government commitment to primary care finance actions; however they recognize the advancement in the regionalization process.