Bolsa Família Program health conditionalities: reflections from a local health center in Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract

This article describes and analyzes the experience of the BolsaFamília Program (PBF) beneficiaries in a municipal health centre in the West zone of Rio de Janeiro. Through empirical research, we seek to contribute with qualitative data for understanding the universe which involves fulfill theconditionalities required by this social policy. The methodology used is the participant observation, carried out through weekly medical consultations offered to program participants. The material conditions and the practical activities involving the nutritional consultations are presented, as well as their relationship with the management of the bureaucratic structure that governs the functioning of the institution. In conclusion, the factors which become limitations within this structure are discussedin relation with the beneficiaries experiences, as well as the strategies developed by managers and health professionals to bypass them. The analysis demonstratesthe complexity of factors that affect the possibility of fulfilling PBF conditionalities in the health units, questioning perspectives that tend to morally responsible mothers, pointing his conduct as the sole factor which depends on the implementation of counterparts measures required.