Vision for the sector
Pharmacies are increasingly recognised as essential in health systems around the world, and Portugal is no exception.
The ageing population, the increase in the burden of disease and the growing pressure on health care have driven the decision to integrate pharmacies into public health policies and recognised their complementarity with the SNS.
Over the last few years, the pharmaceutical sector has responded with competence, proximity and proactivity to major health challenges. Pharmacies help to relieve pressure on hospital services, increase the system's capacity to respond and generate value and savings for the country.
The role of the community pharmacist has expanded in recent years. In addition to dispensing medications, pharmacists are increasingly providing direct care to patients (such as vaccinations, medicine adherence and chronic disease management support, and home medication review), both in community pharmacies and as part of integrated healthcare provider teams.
There are several areas where pharmacies can collaborate even more actively, through integrated healthcare models. Their widespread presence throughout the country and the high level of trust they have with the population make pharmacies essential for improving accessibility, health and quality of life for the Portuguese.
Rapid testing, seasonal vaccination against flu and COVID-19, dispensing hospital medicines in close proximity and renewal of chronic therapy
are four areas where pharmacies have expanded their intervention in the recent past, with very positive results for the health system.
ANF defends a vision for the pharmaceutical sector, detailed in The Portuguese Pharmacies’ White Book, which involves putting pharmacies increasingly at the service of people to improve their health journey.