The expectation is to increase the exam and halve the waiting times for the results
The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilhaannounced this Thursday 26, in San Paolothat the Federal Government will promote a series of actions to expand the National Neonatal Screening Program (PNTN), expanding the realization of the Foot test. The news was presented during the event “Health on the prevention route”, at the Jô Clemente Institute (IJC).
According to the government, further investments of about $ 30 million per year will be made – a growth of 30% of current resources – with the aim of reducing waiting times for test results. The actions will be detailed in a new ordinance, to be published in the next few days.
Among the measures there is the creation of a direct contract with the Mail For the transport of samples collected in different regions, including the interior of the country and the remote areas. The partnership should reduce the wait for the diagnosis of up to five days, half of the current deadline. R $ 15.2 million will be invested for progress in the results distribution logistics.
Another 14.9 million dollars will be intended for states, to support the foot test in its territories.
In addition to the increase in resources, five new Macrorori reference centers will be created, organized to serve several states. “The collections made in the municipalities will reach the workshops faster. This reduces the response times and improves the service,” said Padilha, in a note.
The measure also provides for a financial incentive for reference services in neonatal screening and the transfer of monthly incentives of R $ 40 thousand for units in each region of the country. Exceptionally in the northern region, the amount will be 30%higher: R $ 52 thousand per month.
“The creation of regional centers will allow states with a lower population, which must face greater difficulties and logistics, can be associated with these centers, guaranteeing access to the exam with more quality and agility,” said Padilha.
Scenario of inequalities
According to Daniela Mendes, IJC General Superintendent, the measures are particularly important to reduce access to the regional examination to access to the exam in Brazil.
“We are talking about a country of continental dimensions, with enormous differences between states. We are aware of the states that do not give the screen, which deprive children from access to early diagnosis,” he says.
Although each federative unit has a reference service, the volume of births is so high that, from the point of view of the cost-effectiveness, the tests are often not performed, according to Daniela.
In this sense, the advantage of the partnership with the post is presented. Since the exam is performed with blood drops collected on filter paper, the material can be transported safely and simplifiedly. With the participation of the company, it is possible to guarantee that these samples reach the reference workshops faster. “The idea is to structure this logistics to reach quality to the states that face the most access difficulties,” he explains.
Expansion of the test waiting
Currently, the Ministry of Health It includes seven diseases such as PNTN objectives. With the new ordinance, the best access to their monitoring and, gradually, other diseases with the exams required by law will be provided.
Within the scope of Unified Health System (Sus)with law no. 14,154 of 2021, the PNTN has the obligation to be perfected, expanding the number of diseases monitored by the flakeed foot test. The goal provided for in the legislation is that the version offered by Sus could detect about 50 pathologies.
“This expansion is divided into five phases, but there are still no defined deadlines, which is worrying, since the law was sanctioned in 2021 and, after four years, not very advanced”, says Daniela.
However, he believes that the financial increase in the program should help children access to the entire assistance line required. “More than an exam, neonatal screening is a complete program that includes networking, collection, diagnosis, confirmation, treatment and follow -up -Up. The desire of the institute is precisely to guarantee access to all children in the national territory.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
