Health clinic · Health and the SUS
Farmácia Popular: free medicine
For high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and other conditions, at the neighborhood pharmacy.
What it is
Farmácia Popular is a program that gives out free medicine at regular accredited pharmacies, for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and osteoporosis.
How to use it
Look for a pharmacy with the program's seal and bring an ID showing your CPF (Brazil's taxpayer number) and your doctor's prescription.
The numbers
The program's 41 items are 100% free, including adult diapers. In 2024 the program had a budget of R$ 3.6 billion.
The criticism
Critics point to the cost to the government and call for more controls against fraud. Supporters respond that taking medicine on time prevents hospital stays, which cost more.