PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE IN PRIMARY CARE IN A COUNTY OF THE EASTERN SERIDÓ POTIGUAR, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate pharmaceutical care in the context of primary care in the municipality of Currais Novos in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This is an observational, descriptive, and exploratory study, based on direct observation, from June to July 2019. It was analyzed based on indicators proposed by the World Health Organization about pharmaceutical care. It was found that the municipality has only one basic pharmacy, with a Pharmaceutical Supply Center in an adjoining room, a responsible pharmacist technician, coordinator of Pharmaceutical Assistance. It also has a County List of Essential Medicines but has no Committee of Pharmacy and Therapy. There is no agency specifi cally responsible for the purchase of medicines, and there is no temperature and humidity control map in the environments. Pharmacy attendants perform the dispensation through the window present in the entrance and exit of the pharmacy. Pharmaceutical care in Currais Novos County is still at a slow pace and needs more eff ort from managers responsible for better structuring, thus ensuring comprehensive care to the user of the Unifi ed Health System.