Abstract This article discusses the importance of information to the health management processes, particularly regarding human resources for health (HRH). It characterizes the main databases and sources of information on human resources for health available in Brazil. It assesses the databases´ architectures and the variables that compose the sources of information. The article also analyzes the necessary information and its use in human resources for health local management, using as reference the qualitative aspects of health personnel composition. It also describes the development of an information system for HRH management (SIG-RHS) and analyzes the limits and possibilities of implementing this system in local health systems and services.
