Kidney transplantation in Alagoas: a bioethical view regarding the vulnerability of those in need

Abstract

Although there is a growing need, the quantity of kidney transplants in the state of Alagoas is very small. The objective of this study was to analyze if the public health managers contributed to the increase of vulnerability of patients who need kidney transplants in Alagoas. The sample consisted of public health managers from the Secretariat of Health in the state of Alagoas; the coordinator of the organization for the procurement of organs and tissues; the transplantation team coordinator; physicians from nephrology clinics, from mobile emergency medical services and from critical care unities; and the representative from the Alagoas Chronic Renal Patients Association. Fourteen research participants pointing failures in the administration of programs and resources for transplantation. The study concludes that those who need kidney transplants in Alagoas are even more vulnerable due to shortcomings in the management of public health.