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.