On March 31, every year, the Medicines Market Regulation Chamber (Cmed) adjusts the prices of medicines. Sindusfarma is responsible for projecting a possible increase of 5.6%, considering the guidelines established by the IPCA and other factors.
The reality of many retirees in Brazil is worrying. With only one minimum wage as a source of income, these seniors often face difficulties in meeting basic day-to-day expenses, including the purchase of medication.
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For many retirees, most of the budget is used to purchase medicines, which are often indispensable for the treatment of chronic or debilitating illnesses. With the increase in drug prices, this situation becomes even more difficult.
For these seniors, the minimum wage is insufficient to cover expenses with medicines, leaving little money for other basic needs, such as food, clothing and housing. These people often have to resort to government programs or rely on the help of family and friends to be able to pay for their medications.
A survey by Idec points out that the price limit for medicines does not prevent exaggerated increases in purchases made by customers at pharmacies. For example, Clavulin, an antibiotic, can differ in prices by up to 86%. In generic drugs, the variation oscillates between 384% in omeprazole, used to treat gastritis, and 91.9% in atenolol, an antihypertensive.
Ana Carolina Navarréte, coordinator of Idec's Health Program, suggests that consumers search on websites, physical stores or participate in programs of companies that request the CPF to find the most attractive. The expected increase in medication prices could affect the financial lives of many people who depend on these medications to take care of their health.