Regionalization and the Central Role of Medium-Sized Cities in Mato Grosso in Providing High-Complexity Healthcare Services

Abstract

Although a regionalized healthcare system exists in Mato Grosso, high-complexity care is concentrated in medium-sized cities such as Barra do Garças, Rondonópolis, Sinop, and Tangará da Serra. These cities stand out for the variety and quantity of specialized services they offer, attracting patients from 87 municipalities and highlighting their central role in the state’s healthcare system. However, this concentration reveals inequalities in access to healthcare services, particularly for populations in smaller and more remote municipalities. To address these disparities, it is necessary to implement public policies that promote more effective intermunicipal and regional integration, taking into account local economic, social, and cultural specificities. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the infrastructure of medium-sized cities, expanding both the availability and quality of services. Another significant challenge involves social aspects, such as socioeconomic inequalities and geographical distances, which directly impact accessibility and continuity of care. In this regard, policies that ensure humanized care, with approaches tailored to local realities and individual needs, are indispensable. Promoting inclusive healthcare that is sensitive to regional diversities is fundamental to guarantee equitable access to services as well to strengthen public trust in the healthcare system and reduce existing inequalities.