MATRIZ DE LIVRE TRÂNSITO DE PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE NO MERCOSUL

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO HISTÓRICA E REFERÊNCIAS AO SURGIMENTO DO MERCOSUL E DO SUBGRUPO DE GESTÃO DO TRABALHO

Abstract

The free movement of healthcare professionals within MERCOSUR stands out for its evolution since the bloc's creation in 1991, with an initial focus on the economy, leading to the pursuit of broader political and social integration. The need to harmonize legislation led to the creation of Subworking Group No. 11 (SGT Saúde). To facilitate the movement of these professionals among member countries (such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), the MERCOSUR Minimum Healthcare Professional Registration Matrix (GMC Resolution No. 27/04) was approved. This matrix aims to standardize and exchange essential information about professionals to monitor their flow and facilitate mutual recognition. However, the article emphasizes that the Minimum Matrix does not guarantee the practice of the profession in Brazil. Brazilian legislation requires revalidation of foreign diplomas by a public university and registration with the respective professional council, which generates resistance and debate among professional associations. The discussion on the topic gained prominence with the Mais Médicos Program (Law No. 12,871/2013), which, despite being controversial, allowed the temporary work of foreign doctors (exchange students) — often dispensing with revalidation — to fill the shortage of professionals in Brazilian primary care. In essence, the article contextualizes the regional integration effort of MERCOSUR, supported by the Brazilian Federal Constitution, but highlights the challenge of reconciling the intention of free movement of labor with Brazil's internal regulatory requirements, especially the need for diploma revalidation for full and permanent professional practice.