The Farmácia Popular program benefited more than 24 million Brazilians in 2024, the highest number in its history.

247 - The Farmácia Popular program reached a historic milestone in 2024, benefiting more than 24 million Brazilians, the largest number since its creation in 2006. The information was released by the Ministry of Health and published by Agência Gov, highlighting the expansion of free access to all 41 medicines and supplies in the program. The measure was announced by the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, on Thursday (13), during the Meeting of New Mayors, in Brasília.

“We are strengthening the commitment that this government has made to the dignity and well-being of our population, especially those living in areas of greater social vulnerability. Guaranteeing free access to essential medicines is a concrete response to the needs of the Brazilian people. Health cannot be a privilege, it is a right,” declared the minister.

The expansion of the program ensures that all Brazilians have free access to medications for diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, as well as contraceptives and adult diapers for the elderly and people with disabilities. With this change, at least 1 million people who previously paid a co-payment for some supplies will now receive them free of charge.

Among the supplies now being distributed free of charge, dapagliflozin stands out, an essential medication for the treatment of diabetes associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, the free distribution of adult diapers represents significant financial relief for many families. According to the minister, the monthly savings generated for the elderly and people with disabilities can reach R$ 270, while the free distribution of dapagliflozin represents savings of approximately R$ 190 per month.

“Adult diapers, for example, which are now provided free of charge, guarantee significant savings for the elderly and people with disabilities. This means more dignity for those who need it most,” emphasized Nísia Trindade.

The minister also highlighted that expanding the program reinforces the role of the Unified Health System (SUS) as one of the pillars of public healthcare in Brazil. “The SUS is the patrimony of the Brazilian people. Expanding the Popular Pharmacy program ensures that healthcare reaches everyone, without financial barriers. This achievement is the result of a collective effort, dialogue with states and municipalities, and a keen eye on the needs of our population,” she stated.

The measure also reflects a strategy to meet the growing demands of an aging population, which require a strengthening of the policy of continuing care. By expanding the free provision of medicines and supplies, the federal government seeks to ensure that citizens do not have to choose between taking care of their own health and bearing other essential expenses.

The complete list of 41 items now offered free of charge by Farmácia Popular includes medications for various illnesses:

Asthma: Ipratropium bromide, Beclomethasone dipropionate, Salbutamol sulfate.
Diabetes: Metformin hydrochloride, Glibenclamide, Regular human insulin, NPH human insulin.
Hypertension: Atenolol, Amlodipine besylate, Captopril, Propranolol hydrochloride, Hydrochlorothiazide, Losartan potassium, Enalapril maleate, among others.
Contraception: Medroxyprogesterone acetate, Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel, Norethisterone.
Osteoporosis: Alendronate sodium.
Dyslipidemia: Simvastatin.
Parkinson's disease: Carbidopa + levodopa, Benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa.
Glaucoma: Timolol maleate.
Rhinitis: Budesonide, Beclomethasone dipropionate.
Diabetes mellitus + cardiovascular disease: Dapagliflozin.
Incontinence: Geriatric diaper.

With this expansion, the government reaffirms its commitment to public health and the strengthening of the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System), ensuring that essential medicines are accessible to the entire population, regardless of economic status.