Decree authorizes new accreditations for Farmácia Popular program

On June 07, 2023, the Brazilian Federal Government published Decree No. 11,555/2023, which resumed the accreditation of pharmacies and drugstores with the Farmácia Popular program (Popular Pharmacy, in English), as well as expanded the list of medicines available for members of the Bolsa Família program and for the Brazilian population.

Farmácia Popular is one of the most important health policies in Brazil. The program provides free medicines for the treatment of certain diseases, whose cost is partially subsidized by the Ministry of Health (up to 90% of the fixed value), while citizens pay the remaining cost, according to the price established by the pharmacy or drugstore.

After eight years without new accreditations, this initiative is expected to enable Farmácia Popular to reach 93% of Brazilian cities by the end of 2023.

The Ministry of Health will prioritize the accreditation of pharmacies and drugstores located in municipalities:

1. of greater social vulnerability; and
2. that have joined the Mais Médicos program.

In addition to the new accreditations, Decree No. 11,555 introduces the following innovations:

1. Free medicines: Bolsa Família beneficiaries and indigenous peoples are entitled to obtain medicines free from charge.
2. Women’s health: Ordinance No. 675/2023 was published on the same date as Decree No. 11,555/2023, and establishes the supply of contraceptives and osteoporosis medicines free from charge for women.
3. Monitoring Committee: Ordinance No. 676/2023 was also published on the same day as Decree No. 11,555/2023, and created the Monitoring Committee for Farmácia Popular, which will be formed by health authorities and civil associations. This committee will act as an advisory branch of the Ministry of Health throughout the implementation of Farmácia Popular, in order to ensure greater stability and certainty to the decision-making process.

As a result, private pharmacy and drugstore networks that join Farmácia Popular will benefit from subsidies by the Ministry of Health that can partially or even fully bear the costs of health items and medicines.

The regulation of Farmácia Popular and the initiation of the accreditation process is expected to be carried out by the Ministry of Health within 90 days of the decree’s publication.

Demarest’s Life Sciences team is monitoring the updates of the industry and is available to provide any further clarifications that may be necessary.