Floating Primary Health Center: A new approach to Primary Care in the Amazon, Brazil

Abstract

Floating Primary Health Center is a new approach to ensuring universal access to primary healthcare for riverine communities in the Amazon and Pantanal. The aim of this study was to describe the planning and implementation of the activities of a floating primary health center and management of care under this new approach. An exploratory descriptive study was conducted using mapping techniques, participant observation, and interviewing in two trips to the Municipality of Borba in the State of Amazonas. The findings show the importance of tailoring policies and programs to the specific characteristics of neighborhoods and communities and that the river is the pathway that health services should use to promote equitable access to care for riverine communities in the Amazon.