The Health care as the essence of integrality

the regulatory ideal of the public health system in the treatment of mental health

Abstract

Context: Care is understood in the field of philosophy as an essential dimension, that is, as a way of being in human existence. In the field of public health, healthcare emerges as a structuring category of the healthcare model based on the concept of comprehensiveness within the fundamental principle of the Unified Health System (SUS). Problem: However, the problem lies in the lack of practice of caring for others, where reductionist biomedical practices are often adopted. Objectives: Given this context, this article aims to reflect on the concept of health care, describing its centrality in the constitution of the human being and its contribution to the implementation of comprehensiveness in the mental health care model. Methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach of a reflective and conceptual nature, using a heuristic method of scientific and philosophical investigation. Results: Philosophy, legal norms, and medical paradigms are in agreement with the following result: comprehensiveness—defined as coordinated and continuous access to preventive and curative health actions and services at all necessary levels of complexity—in mental health depends on a care model based on the idea of care. Conclusions: It is concluded that a broader understanding of the essence of care strengthens more inclusive and supportive public practices and policies that are oriented toward the real needs of individuals and are therefore appropriate for comprehensiveness.