Seminar in Florianópolis proposes solutions to curb health lawsuits and balance patient access with economic sustainability.
On March 19 and 20, the 4th edition of “Law and Health: Rethinking Judicialization” took place in Florianópolis, organized by the Santa Catarina Court of Justice (TJSC) and the SOS Cárdio Hospital Research Institute. Around 500 participants from across Brazil gathered to debate strategies aimed at reducing lawsuits in both public and private healthcare systems.
According to the National Justice Council (CNJ), Brazil records one new health-related lawsuit every 47 seconds. In Santa Catarina alone, court-ordered expenses linked to treatments and medications consume around R$ 460 million annually—7.2% of the state’s health budget (TCE/SC).
Collaboration and innovation as solutions
Dr. Sérgio Lima de Almeida, president of the SOS Cárdio Research Institute, suggested that better integration between health professionals and payers is key. “We launched the idea of pilot projects across Brazil. Our cardiovascular surgery initiative already shows positive results,” he said.
Chief Justice Rubens Schulz highlighted the impact of the NatJus (Judiciary’s Technical Support Center), which issued 2,274 technical opinions in 2025 for the Greater Florianópolis region. These reports helped save around R$ 200 million through more informed decisions. “Protecting the right to health demands shared responsibility and institutional maturity,” he argued.
Bridging law and medicine
Federal Judge João Pedro Gebran Neto emphasized the need for open dialogue among stakeholders: “Only through qualified discussion can we reach real solutions. The event also explored legislative improvements.”
Federal Judge Clenio Jair Schulze stressed the seminar’s importance in updating the judiciary. He pointed out that the NatJus model is expanding toward private health systems, with a national version soon to assist judges across Brazil.
Patient-centered approach
Andréa Bergamini, Technical Director at EduHealth, praised the event’s multidisciplinary tone. “Transparency and cooperation between sectors are essential. The patient must remain the core focus,” she stated.
The seminar emphasized balance—upholding citizens’ right to justice while preventing exaggerated litigation that threatens system sustainability and equitable care.
Photo: Divulgação
