Evaluation of pharmaceutical services in eight cities of the Brazilian Northeast

Abstract

This article intended to assess the Pharmaceutical Services in eight cities of the Brazilian Northeast. It was a descriptive and transversal study done between July and September of 2007. Data was gathered from the sectors of the Pharmaceutical Services Bureau, medicines delivery, and pharmacies of the Municipal Secretaries of Health-care. The assessment was based on a study instrument developed by the researchers following the indicators elaborated by the Brazilian Health Ministry. The development levels for each Pharmaceutical Services stage were measured from 1 to 3, with 3 representing the Best quality of PS. The programming and acquisition stages showed the best results. On the other hand, prescription was considered the most problematic stage. This data shows the need for improvement in the Pharmaceutical Services of these citiesColegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire