Management of medical equipment in the Brazilian public health system (SUS), historical situation and the context of the pandemic COVID-19: a cut for lung ventilators

PURPOSE: The main objective of this paper is to analyze the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) efforts in the management of medical equipment, with a specific approach for lung ventilators in the pandemic scenario of COVID-19. METHODS: The methodology included a review of the normative framework and literature on technological management and research on the database of the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: As a promoter for acquiring medical equipment, the MoH role is highlighted and added to this competence; its function as the coordinator of the National Policy on Health Technology Management (PNGTS). According to the PNGTS the MoH has to support health managers in the implementing, monitoring, and maintaining health technologies. The scenario of lung ventilators in the pandemic was discussed, with research to verify demands, offers, installed capacity, and investments. In less than one year, the Ministry of Health acquired several pulmonary ventilators, 8.55 times greater than the annual averages of equipment acquired from 2016 to 2019. So far, there is still no maintenance plans or strategy of management for that equipment, especially in a post-pandemic scenario. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the Ministry of Health needs to improve health technology management systems. On the scale of the Policy, it is necessary to commit to permanent and long-term actions to ensure sustainability and reduce the technological vulnerabilities of the SUS.