Every month, Daniel Santos, 14 years old, receives at home, free of charge, the medicines indicated for his treatment against hypopituitarism, a rare disease caused by hormonal deficiency, which impairs development. He is one of the 10,000 beneficiaries of the Medication Delivery at Home program, run by the Government of the Federal District (GDF).
Service of the Medication Delivery at Home program is available to the 30 thousand citizens registered with Ceaf | Photos: Paulo H. Carvalho/Agência Brasília
The initiative prevents patients or family members from having to spend time and travel having to collect their medications in person at one of the units of the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistance (Ceaf) of the Department of Health, better known as High-Cost Medication Pharmacies, located in Asa Sul, in Ceilândia and Gama.
Between the beginning of last year and March this year, around 190 thousand medicines were delivered by the service
The result of a partnership between the ministry and Banco de Brasília (BRB), the service is available to all 30 thousand citizens registered with Ceaf. In Daniel’s case, home delivery is essential to guarantee the family’s safety. This is because his mother, Aline Sousa Santos, 47, has low immunity.
“It’s a very important service, because we don’t have the expense of bus tickets and the time it would take to get there. It is also important to avoid this type of exposure to other possibly sick people so as not to run the risk of infecting myself. The delivery team is very attentive and careful with us, I am very grateful”, praises the Planaltina resident.
“In terms of impact on people’s lives, we see savings in time and money”
Letícia Farias Gerlack, Ceaf manager
The initiative was implemented in 2020, during the covid-19 pandemic, precisely to comply with social distancing guidelines and prevent the spread of the disease. Since then, the program has been improved and, consequently, the number of patients has increased, as explained by Ceaf manager, Letícia Farias Gerlack.
“In recent years, we have seen many improvements. Due to the decrease in the flow of patients in the three pharmacies in the specialized component, we have reduced queues and waiting times for in-person services”, highlights the pharmacist. Between the beginning of last year and March this year, around 190,000 medicines were delivered by the service.
The program is also a valuable resource for citizens, because it adapts to their routine and any motor limitations they may have. “In terms of impact on people’s lives, we see savings in time and money. With this, it generates well-being and quality of life, especially for people who have limitations due to their health, profession or home care”, explains the employee.
High-cost drug pharmacies offer 275 types of medicine, indicated for the care of chronic illnesses, rare diseases and care for transplant recipients, for example
Health care
The most demanded medications are for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Among the most common deliveries are also psychiatric and neurological medicines, for conditions such as epilepsy and schizophrenia; as well as kidney disease and type 1 diabetes.
In general, pharmacies in the specialized component comply with 110 treatment protocols established by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health. 275 types of medication are offered, indicated for care with chronic illnesses, rare diseases and care for transplant recipients, for example.
All patients who request medication at Ceaf pharmacies have the right to register to receive medications at home, with the exception of medications that need to be administered in the hospital. The request to receive at home can be made at any time.
Operated by BRB, the program increases the provision of public services to society in a modern and efficient way. “BRB has in its DNA the work for the economic, social and human development of the Federal District and this project helps the bank to fulfill its role and make a difference in the quality of life of the population of Brasília”, highlights Paulo Henrique Costa , president of the bank.
Medication delivery operates daily and serves all administrative regions of the Federal District and surrounding areas
Daily deliveries
The medicine delivery service operates daily and serves all administrative regions of the Federal District and surrounding areas, according to a schedule established according to the beneficiaries’ addresses.
Every month, the team contacts patients to make appointments over the phone – one for the delivery of medical prescriptions, in the case of controlled medications, and another for the delivery of medications for the month, to the address provided.
To receive the medicine at home, the patient needs to be registered with the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistance (Ceaf). Find out here how to register for the Health Department service. Users can also seek assistance at (61) 3029-8080.
