Capacidade de pagamento, preço e disponibilidade de medicamentos em municípios do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Access to health care is a fundamental human right, of which access to medicines is an essential part. In Brazil, in theory, individuals can obtain essential medicines free of charge through the public health system. However, when these are not available in the public sector, medicines need to be paid for out-of-pocket in the private sector. There are three types of medicines available in the Brazilian market: originator brands, generics and similar medicines. The ageing process and the epidemiologic transition of the Brazilian population increased the burden of chronic diseases more prevalent. These diseases are responsible for an increased demand of health services. The aim of this study was to evaluate medicine prices, their availability and affordability in Brazil, considering the differences across the three types of medicines in the market and the different types of facilities. The study was cross-sectional and used the methodology recommended by WHO/HAI for the evaluation of prices, availability and af