HEALTH AND IMMIGRATION

ACCESS IN FAMILY HEALTH UNITS

Abstract

The municipality of Cascavel (PR) is a key destination for migratory flows due to its location within the border zone. In the last bimester of 2023, the National Migration Registry System (SisMigra) recorded 424 new entry registrations in the city, highlighting a growing demand and, consequently, an increased pressure on healthcare services. Given this scenario, this study aimed to analyze the access and care provided to the immigrant population in urban Family Health Units (USF) in Cascavel. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory approach, involving 55 professionals from the fields of Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, and Social Work across 18 USFs. Data were collected via a questionnaire on the "Google Forms" platform in October 2023. The results were analyzed by categories, identifying the diversity of users served, difficulties and challenges, strategies employed in care, and reflections on improving service delivery. It is concluded that the access of the immigrant population to health units requires constant continuing education actions, awareness-raising, and debate to build and strengthen public policies that ensure universal and equitable access, as advocated by the Unified Health System (SUS).