Farmácias Vivas: instrumento para viabilização da fitoterapia no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS): uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

The Living Pharmacy (Farmácia Viva) was established by the Ministry of Health within the context of the Unified Health System as a pharmacy model integrated into the structure of the National Pharmaceutical Assistance. This approach encompasses the cultivation and processing of medicinal plants, in addition to the dispensing of herbal medicines. The purpose of this work was to conduct a literature review addressing the impact of Living Pharmacy on the Unified Health System (SUS) and its role in promoting phytotherapy. The goal was to analyze the potential advantages of this program for public health and society. Information gathered from databases allowed the conclusion that Living Pharmacies have demonstrated significant relevance in political, economic, and social aspects, emerging as a safe alternative for healthcare. They provide access to medicinal herbs and essential information for people, especially those from less privileged socioeconomic backgrounds. Some Living Pharmacies (Fortaleza – CE, Campinas – SP, Betim – MG, Vitória – ES and Jardinópolis – SP) serve as models for the construction of health policies in support and strengthening of the use and manipulation of medicinal plants throughout the country, especially when associated with public or private universities, bringing advantages for public health and economic benefits to the region if there is the possibility of forming local production chains for herbal medicines. However, it is emphasized that a number of municipalities with Living Pharmacies mention the difficulty of stabilizing activities due to the discontinuity of resource allocation by municipal, state, and federal governments.