Santa Catarina: Amendment of R$ 1 million strengthens the supply of cannabidiol in SUS
Proposal included in the Pluriannual Plan aims to organize access to cannabis-based medications and reduce litigation in the state
Two non-mandatory amendments presented by deputy Padre Pedro Baldissera (PT) have been included in the Pluriannual Plan (PPA), which outlines public investments in Santa Catarina for the next four years. The highlight is the allocation of R$ 1 million for state pharmaceutical assistance, aiming for the free supply of cannabidiol in the Unified Health System (SUS).
The central objective of the measure, according to the parliamentarian, is to organize the entire flow of evaluation, prescription, acquisition, and dispensing of medications. The initiative seeks to reduce access inequalities and the number of lawsuits.
Goals and protocols for cannabidiol in SUS
The amendment proposes the implementation of a robust state protocol. The goal is to ensure care for at least 80% of patients eligible for cannabidiol treatment in SUS by the end of 2029.
The focus is to organize the supply according to clinical protocols from the State Health Department. According to the deputy, by structuring pharmaceutical assistance for cannabidiol in SUS, Santa Catarina could:
- Reduce access inequalities, as currently only families with resources or legal support can obtain the medication;
- Decrease litigation, which generates unpredictable costs for the government and delays in starting treatment;
- Ensure safe prescription and monitoring through state clinical protocols;
- Accelerate the start of treatment, preventing the worsening of clinical conditions that could be controlled early.
“The organization of the flow and the predictability of care are essential to ensure the right to health. We are talking about patients who cannot wait,” emphasizes Padre Pedro.
Barriers in the regulation of cannabidiol in SUS
Despite the proposed advancement with funding for cannabidiol in SUS, the current regulatory decree in Santa Catarina still hinders access to the medication. The regulation imposes bureaucratic barriers, requiring procedures that end up delaying or making the supply unfeasible.
These difficulties persist even for patients with medical prescriptions and robust reports. According to Padre Pedro, families report that the process is slow, fragmented, and often ends in a denial from the State. This pushes the patient back into the judicial route, a cycle that the amendment itself seeks to end.
Investments in Palliative Care
In addition to the resources for cannabidiol in SUS, a second amendment of R$ 1 million has been allocated to strengthen the State Network of Palliative Care. The goal is to structure, expand, and qualify the line of care in all health regions.
The resources included in the PPA will be invested in expanding regional coverage and qualifying multiprofessional teams. The intention is to promote integration between primary, specialized, and home care, providing comprehensive support to the patient and family.
The established goal is to make palliative care teams available in 100% of health regions by 2029. This strategy is essential for pain management and improving quality of life, in addition to avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.
With information from Agência Alesc.