EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF
HEALTH SERVICES IN BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF A HEALTH CRISIS
voluntary transfers; efficiency of health services; health crisis.
Health crises represent highly complex events that impose significant pressure on health
systems, demanding institutional capacity and adequate public funding. In the context of
Brazilian federalism, municipalities play a central role in the provision of health services,
especially in primary care, although they face limitations related to fiscal capacity,
infrastructure, and human resources. In this scenario, intergovernmental voluntary transfers
become relevant as a financial support instrument, particularly during periods of increased
demand for services. This dissertation aims to analyze the effects of voluntary transfers on the
efficiency of health services in Brazilian municipalities in the context of a health crisis. To this
end, a quantitative approach is adopted, applying econometric models to panel data, covering
the pre-crisis, during, and post-crisis periods. Efficiency is measured by indicators of supply,
access, and health outcomes, with voluntary transfers being the main explanatory variable,
accompanied by socioeconomic, fiscal, and demographic controls.