Instituto de Fiscalização e Controle

Auditória Cívica na Saúde

Giving the people a say in public expenditures  in Brazil

Instituto de Fiscalização e Controle was established in 2004 to promote transparency and civic engagement by encouraging the public to monitor government agencies and their administration. It encourages the monitoring of public expenditures both at the civil society and governmental level. It also promotes dialogue and knowledge-sharing on public expenditures through a series of real life events, such as awareness walks and debates. Furthermore, they have also created an online platform to monitor the performance of government officials.

Brazil’s public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde) is monitored by state- run organizations that inspect the system for structural problems and fraud. Unfortunately, these organizations do not consider other issues such as the quality of health services provided or patient satisfaction.

IMPACT

With support from BrazilFoundation, IFC implemented tools for patients of Sistema Único de Saúde (the public healthcare system) in Planaltina, Goiás, to assess the quality of Programa Saúde da Família (family health program).

IFC has performed civic audits in 40 cities, with a 70% resolution rate after 120 days.

“The citizen has the responsibility to remain informed on the councilman who he elects, the councilman must also perform his job and do it transparently.” Diego Freitas Ramalho, community mobilizer at IFC