Brasília – Brazil records an 88.8% increase in palliative care programs between 2022 and 2025, rising from 234 to 423 services, according to the new National Atlas of Palliative Care 2025. Despite the expansion, the study highlights persistent regional inequalities and limited coverage, with the Southeast concentrating 40% of services, while the North accounts for just 3%.

The report also raises concerns about quality and access, noting that around 65% of services do not meet minimum recommended standards and that overall availability remains below international benchmarks. Current coverage levels fall far short of global recommendations of at least two services per 100,000 inhabitants, underscoring structural gaps and the need for stronger federal coordination to scale and standardize palliative care within Brazil’s health system.

Source: Futuro da Saúde