Corruption Perception Indicators in the Health Sector

The Corruption Perception Indicators in the Health Sector Project aims to develop and present indicators and KPIs to support public and private managers, healthcare professionals, companies, regulators, patients, and other stakeholders in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening integrity practices.

The initiative combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies to map risks and assess the level of maturity in transparency and governance across the sector. By capturing perceptions from different regions of Brazil and various levels of healthcare delivery, the project contributes to designing more effective anti-corruption strategies, promoting ethics, and reinforcing public trust.

The expected outcomes include a public report, seminars, training workshops, academic publications, and an online platform open to society. With these tools, the project provides clear parameters to monitor risks, support public policies, and improve the quality of Brazil’s healthcare system.

What is the Corruption Perception Indicators in the Health Sector Project?

The project’s main goal is to develop and present corruption perception indicators in Brazil’s health sector. These indicators — also referred to as KPIs — aim to support public and private managers, healthcare professionals, companies, regulators, patients, and other stakeholders in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening integrity practices. The project combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies to deliver reliable data to measure risks and assess levels of maturity in transparency and governance.

Why this Project?

Corruption perception in Brazil is high, and the health sector is no exception. Bribery, contract fraud, resource diversion, nepotism, and conflicts of interest are recurrent practices that affect both public and private institutions. These behaviors undermine the efficiency of the healthcare system and erode public trust. By capturing perceptions across regions and levels of care, the project seeks to contribute to the design of more effective anti-corruption strategies, promote ethics, and reduce economic and reputational risks.

Target Audience

The project is directed to a broad set of stakeholders: healthcare professionals, public and private managers, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, distributors, patients, health insurance companies, regulators, and academia. Their participation will make it possible to identify specific vulnerabilities, understand different perceptions on corruption, and develop practical and effective solutions for prevention and integrity.

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the project, the results will be consolidated into a public report, including methodology, quantitative and qualitative analyses, conclusions, and recommendations for companies, professionals, public institutions, and civil society. The project will also deliver indicators and KPIs specific to the health sector, offering clear parameters to monitor risks and strengthen integrity. Further outcomes include dissemination seminars, capacity-building workshops, and academic publications at national and international levels. All indicators and findings will be made available through an online platform, ensuring broad access and encouraging their practical application to strengthen trust and improve the quality of Brazil’s healthcare system.

Events Held (in Portuguese)

Event “Developing a Corruption Index in the Health Sector: A New Tool to Promote Integrity”

To formalize the partnership between FGV and Instituto Ética Saúde and launch the project, the event “Developing a Corruption Index in the Health Sector: A New Tool to Promote Integrity” was held at FGV EAESP on January 18, 2024. The event was conducted in Portuguese and was also broadcast live on FGV’s official YouTube channel.
Source: https://eaesp.fgv.br/eventos/desenvolvendo-indice-corrupcao-setor-saude-nova-ferramenta-para-promocao-integridade

Presentation to the São Paulo State Comptroller General (CGE)

On April 8, 2024, the research project was presented (in Portuguese) to the São Paulo State Comptroller General (CGE).

Event “Excellence in Health: Enhancing Performance with Integrity Indicators”

On May 8, 2024, the event “Excellence in Health: Enhancing Performance with Integrity Indicators” was held, disseminating research results on corruption perception indicators in the health sector. The webinar was conducted in Portuguese and broadcast live on FGV’s official YouTube channel.
Source: YouTube FGV – Webinar | Excellence in Health: Enhancing Performance with Integrity Indicators

Commencement of Quantitative Data Collection

On April 15, 2025, the Quantitative Phase of the research was initiated through the administration of a structured questionnaire to stakeholders in the healthcare sector throughout Brazil. The launch of this phase was formally marked by the event “Corruption Perception Indicators in the Health Sector”, held at the Noble Hall of FGV EAESP.

The opening keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wagner do Rosário, Comptroller General of the State of São Paulo (CGE-SP), followed by welcome remarks from Prof. Ligia Maura Costa (FGVethics), Prof. Ana Maria Malik (FGVsaúde), and Carlos Eduardo Gouvêa (Instituto Ética Saúde).

The program also featured a roundtable discussion entitled “Tools to Raise Awareness and Prevent Corruption – The Role of Civil Society”, with contributions from Prof. Ana Maria Malik (FGVethics/FGVsaúde), Cibele Fernandes (Director of Ethics & Integrity, Sanofi Brazil), Viviane Miranda (HIAE – Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein), and Marcos Tadeu Machado (Biomedical).

In addition, Prof. Ligia Maura Costa (FGVethics) presented the current status of the research, and the event concluded with a keynote lecture by Dr. Rodrigo Fontenelle, Comptroller General of the State of Minas Gerais (CGE-MG).

Conclusion of Quantitative Data Collection

On July 29, 2025, the quantitative data collection phase was concluded, yielding a total of 1,005 respondents from all regions of Brazil. Following this milestone, the research progressed to the analysis of quantitative data, alongside the preparation of interview guidelines for the qualitative stage, corresponding to Phase 3 of the project.

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