The Brazilian government’s digital health strategy is at risk due to the dominance of private corporations in healthcare digitalization. While telehealth programs offer clear benefits, the reliance on private sector technologies threatens national sovereignty and data privacy. The government has funded capitalist-driven digital health initiatives, sidelining the development of its digital health infrastructure, which could compromise the nation’s ability to manage health data autonomously.
Experts argue that massive public investment in digital technologies is needed to secure Brazil’s health data and develop a sustainable, public-focused digital health policy. Without this, the Brazilian government risks deepening technological dependence on foreign corporations. Public alternatives, like Brazil’s Digital Health and Information Secretariat, show promise but require more resources and bold actions to protect citizens’ health data and align with national protection laws.
