Public interest in health: contributions to an ethical-political agenda

Abstract Background The legal expression 'public interest' has been often used in health debates, especially in related legislation; however, there is still a conceptual imprecision surrounding this theme, which requires contextualization. Objective This study aimed to analyze the meanings attributed to the term 'public interest', in the health context, in publications of the journal Saúde em Debate , linked to the Brazilian Center for Health Studies (CEBES). Method Qualitative study conducted through documentary search from 1985 to 2000. Results Redemocratization and social justice are the central themes discussed by authors regarding Public Interest. Conclusion In view of the challenges faced in the current Brazilian political scenario, reflection on public interest in health should go beyond the limits of democracy, and it is necessary to discuss the roles of the State, Government, and Civil Society, as well as to overcome the condition of the subalternity assumed by the Brazilian population before the State.