JUDICIALIZATION OF ACCESS TO MEDICINES IN THE SUS: BETWEEN THE RIGHT TO HEALTH AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the judicialization of access to medicines in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), highlighting its relationship with guaranteeing the right to health and the challenges for public management. This is an integrative, qualitative, and descriptive review, conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, with studies published between 2021 and 2026. Fifty-nine articles were identified, subsequently selected according to eligibility criteria and organized for analysis of the main findings on the judicialization of medicines in the SUS. It was highlighted that there is a need for evidence-based decisions, greater integration between the sectors involved, and mediation strategies to reduce conflicts and improve access to medicines. The integrative review showed that the judicialization of medicines in the SUS is related to guaranteeing the right to health, but also generates financial, administrative, and managerial impacts. The studies pointed to demands for medicines that are available or not incorporated into the SUS, reinforcing the need to strengthen pharmaceutical assistance, access flows, and evidence-based decisions. It is concluded that addressing this phenomenon requires coordination between managers, health professionals, and the justice system, aiming for equity and sustainability within the SUS.