Free access to hypertension and diabetes medicines among the elderly: a reality yet to be constructed

The study evaluated free access to hypertension and diabetes medicines and the reasons reported for lack of access. The sample included 4,003 elderly people living in Primary Care Unit coverage areas from 41 Southern and Northeastern Brazilian cities. Free access was higher in the Northeast (62.4%). The strategy of the Family Health Program (Programa Saúde da Família - PSF) was more effective in providing access than the traditional model, with higher results in the Northeast (61.2%) than in the South (39.6%). Around 20% of medicines included in the Hypertension and Diabetes Program and 26% of those included in the National Essential Medicines List (RENAME) were paid out of pocket. In the Northeast, 25% of insulin and 32% of oral antidiabetics were paid out of pocket. Unavailability in the public sector and a lack of money determined the lack of access. Although the PSF, Hypertension and Diabetes Program and RENAME expanded free access, supplies were insufficient. A greater connection between programs and a clear definition of responsibilities can improve medicine acquisition process, increasing the effectiveness of pharmaceutical assistance.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Paniz,Vera Maria Vieira, Fassa,Anaclaudia Gastal, Facchini,Luiz Augusto, Piccini,Roberto Xavier, Tomasi,Elaine, Thumé,Elaine, Silveira,Denise Silva da, Rodrigues,Maria Aparecida, Domingues,Marlos Rodrigues, Bertoldi,Andréa Dâmaso
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz 2010
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-311X2010000600010
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