Modernization and public health in Brazil

ideas of social development in Juscelino Kubitschek and Jânio Quadros (1955-1961)

Abstract

This article seeks to discuss some ideas about the History of Health in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro during the 1950s and 1960s, thinking, to this end, of analyzing the cases of Juscelino Kubitschek's presidency and how his country's modernization plan, through the Target Plan and the government motto “50 years in 5”. Therefore, we will focus on the mandate exercised by Kubitschek, which took place between 1956 and 1961, and how public hygiene and sanitary measures were developed during this period. To better understand these issues at a time of political transition, we will also see the developments of this scenario during the short presidency of Jânio da Silva Quadros, who carried out his activities as head of the national Executive for only seven months, between January and August 1961. In this way, we will think about the health ideals present in these two governments and how they could represent different visions of modernization and urbanization of cities, states and, finally, the country. In the case of Jânio Quadros, it is important to highlight, finally, that the former president prepared government guidelines focused on the area of ​​health, considered one of the essential aspects to be developed by the State for its inhabitants.