This paper discusses the challenges to the qualitative health research approach, under the regime of productivity that rules current academic evaluation in many countries. The analysis considers aspects common to several contexts, illustrating the discussion with the Brazilian context and, more specifically, within the dynamics of the collective health field. More than a dialogue with the literature on the subject, though it is also included in the exercise developed here, the intention is to share concerns grounded in the accumulated records of our "praxis" in this tradition of research. Based on an overview that gradually unfolds, and aware of the risks posed by the limited space, we will visit some core aspects in the current debate on the topic. (Contains 1 table.)