The medical labor market in Maranhão: internalization of medical courses, trained professionals and the constitution of a private health market.

Almost ten years after the creation of the Programa Mais Médico (PMM) (More Doctors Program-MDP), Brazil is started to feel some of the results of the long-term goals proposed by this public policy. The present reflection focuses on analyzing important consequences of the expansion of the medical workforce in the country and, especially, in Maranhão. The internalization of medical courses and new trained professionals is examined. The variables that are forcing these professionals to settle in medium-sized urban centers are analyzed, as well as the saturation of the market in the capitals. The consequences for the small towns of Maranhão from the increase in this workforce are evaluated. What is the profile of the professionals who choose the interior of State to build a career and what is the achieved remuneration? The reflection concludes by noting the increase in pressure from the public and private sector on medical work and the expansion of the private market for medical assistance in medium-sized urban centers as a new frontier of the capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]