In a strategic move to enhance the quality of public healthcare, Brazil’s Ministry of Health has allocated R$25.4 million (approximately US$4.7 million) to strengthen pharmaceutical care services within the Unified Health System (SUS). This latest funding, announced through Ordinance GM/MS No. 7,556 on July 11, will benefit 428 municipalities across all regions of the country in 2025.
The investment forms part of the National Pharmaceutical Services Qualification Program, known as Qualifar-SUS, a key initiative aimed at modernizing public pharmaceutical care infrastructure and services.
The program will provide over R$15 million for structural improvements and R$10 million for the ongoing maintenance of services. Funds will be transferred in a single installment to municipal health funds to support enhancements such as upgraded facilities, modern equipment, and better service delivery systems.
“After the suspension of qualifications under the previous administration, which had not made new transfers to the program since 2019, the federal government resumed the process in 2023. Since then, Qualifar-SUS has benefited 1,289 municipalities, with a total investment of R$79.6 million,” highlighted Fernanda De Negri, Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation and of the Health Economic-Industrial Complex.
Municipalities will use the funds to purchase essential equipment like refrigerators for thermolabile medications, computers, and furniture, and to improve service infrastructure such as air conditioning, connectivity, and inventory systems. These upgrades are crucial for ensuring the safe storage of medications and improving the overall efficiency of pharmaceutical services.
The selection of municipalities follows Public Call No. 04/2024, prioritizing areas with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants and varying levels of Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI). To date, 4,369 municipalities have been qualified under the program’s structure axis, with a target of reaching all 5,570 municipalities by 2027.
Since its inception in 2012, Qualifar-SUS has funneled over R$655 million into the national health infrastructure. The program’s ongoing mission is to expand equitable access to safe, high-quality medications, ensuring comprehensive, patient-centered care across Brazil.
