Portuguese pharmaceutical services recognized as a benchmark at international conference

Portuguese pharmaceutical services were recognized as a successful example during the 23rd Giropharm Congress, held on March 21 in Sorrento, Italy. In a session dedicated to the global landscape of healthcare services, the president of ANF, Ema Paulino, presented the Portuguese reality.

«Community pharmacies in Portugal are evenly distributed across the country, ensuring equitable access to medicines, medical devices, pharmaceutical services, and other health technologies and interventions», stated Ema Paulino, noting that more than half a million people visit these pharmacies daily.

Vaccination was one of the most prominent services highlighted, demonstrating the essential role of community pharmacies in seasonal vaccination campaigns against influenza and COVID-19. In the field of respiratory conditions, the president of ANF also emphasized the importance of pharmacovigilance, presenting HiCorr, a tool that enables the early detection of peaks in epidemic activity and supports a faster and more efficient response.

Another key service presented was intervention in Acute Oropharyngeal Infection (AOI), through the use of rapid tests in pharmacies, which helps reduce pressure on primary and hospital healthcare services. In this context, Ema Paulino highlighted the potential of community pharmacies in managing mild clinical conditions, stressing the priority of strengthening skills and technical support for pharmacy teams.

Services such as prescription renewal, proximity dispensing, and the integration of pharmacies into national screening programs were also addressed. The president of ANF further reinforced the potential of pharmacies as strategic partners of the National Health Service and as essential access points for the population throughout the entire healthcare journey.