Pharmaceutical Services in municipalities in Pará: An assessment study considering the Amazonian context

Abstract

Implementing policies such as Pharmaceutical Services (AF) is complex and involves overcoming challenges, especially in unique areas as the Amazon region. This paper presents the assessment results of AF in Primary Health Care in municipalities of the Amazon region. This assessment study was carried out in 2022 using validated indicators. Data were collected through interviews, technical visits and document analysis. 137 people participated (managers, professionals and users) and brings, for the first time, a comprehensive and participatory assessment of AF management in municipalities in the region. The results were different, one of the municipalities presented better results, despite lower sociodemographic indicators, demonstrating that there are several aspects that impact the capacity to manage AF. Basic aspects, such as the standardization of the area and the qualification of the dispensing service need to be prioritized, and considering the characteristics of the region, the qualification of medicine transport is urgent. Favorable conditions included adaptations to medication logistics, prioritizing units in rural and riverside areas. Thus, considering the relevance of the process of implementing a health policy from the perspective of consolidating the Unified Health System (SUS), studies like this are essential for monitoring in different contexts.