THE MARANHENSE COMPANY OF HOSPITAL SERVICES (EMSERH): MARANHAO'S STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN THE STATE

The article analyzes the Hospital Services Company from the state of Maranhao (EMSERH), a company owned by the State and responsible for public health management which became more important during the Flavio Dino Government (20152022). Methodologically, the article is based on data collection in different agencies, both state and federal. Agencies such as TCU (Federal General Accounting Office), MPU (District Attorney), PF (Federal Police) and the State Health Department; the fieldwork was conducted by interviews with company employees and also by analyzing official pronouncements from the government and institutions issued by news agencies. We propose to analyze it as a political strategy to weaken opposing groups, a strategy to replace the third sector in health management and as a rationalization of the few resources destined to health. It is discussed the EMSERH's contraction system, its governance and the focus on customer service. The text is concluded by analysing possible losers and winners with the rise of this organization in the management of public health in the state of Maranhao.