Conselho local de saúde: implantação e dificuldades da formação na Estratégia Saúde da Família

Objective: To describe the process of implementation of the Local Health Council, formation and difficulties faced, through the view of the counselors, with an emphasis on social participation in the territory of the Family Health Strategy. Methods: Study of a qualitative nature, with a critical-reflexive approach. Held in the territory of a Family Health Strategy team in the city of Milagres, Ceara, Brazil, with 22 subjects, users and health workers members of the Local Health Council. The survey took place between February and July 2016, through systematic observation techniques, documentary survey and focus group. Data analysis based on hermeneutics and dialectics was chosen. Results: The local problems were the reasons for community participation and mobilization in the implantation and formation of the Local Health Council. The organization and functioning of the council involved users and the health team in practices integrated to the demands and needs of the territory. Community participation, empowerment for citizenship and the joint responsibility of people emerged in the process of local planning of health actions and in the collective confrontation of daily difficulties. Conclusion: The changes that occurred in the Family Health Strategy territory with the implementation and formation of the Local Health Council show the potential of this social participation device. The weaknesses in the council's organization underscore the need for encouragement, support and support at the base of the Unified Health System.