Challenges in governance capacity of the specialized component of pharmaceutical services in Brazil: results of a workshop

Abstract

Introduction: Despite important advances in public medicines policies in Brazil, the availability of medicines in a continuous and adequate quantity to the needs of the population is still a challenge, especially for high added value medicines. There are few studies that evaluate the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Services (CEAF) from the perspective of professionals involved in its governance. Objective: To describe the results of three workshops on the governance of the CEAF. Methods: Descriptive, qualitative study with discussion in groups involving key informants of the governance of Pharmaceutical Services of the State Health Secretariats (SES’s). Results: Several barriers to better governance of CEAF have been identified, including issues related to financing, human resources, health unit infrastructure, medication logistics management, and information systems for managing activities. Conclusion: The implementation of new guidelines for the financing of Pharmaceutical Services, which guarantee better financial balance between the federated entities, and the better articulation between Ministry of Health and SES’s were pointed out as alternatives for better governance of Pharmaceutical Services.