Implementation of the Pharmaceutical Services Strategic Component supply chain: Building the evaluation

Abstract

This article presents the building process of an evaluative study aimed at analyzing the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Services Strategic Component (CESAF) supply chain. This funding component of Brazil’s pharmaceutical policy targets individuals with diseases whose control is strategic for the Unified Health System (SUS), including some classified as neglected diseases. To guide the evaluation, three models were developed: the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Theoretical Model; the CESAF’s Operation Theoretical Model; and the Logic Model for Analyzing the Implementation of the CESAF Supply Chain. Both the modeling and the evaluation matrix were developed based on a literature review and refined through a panel of experts. The final matrix comprised 74 indicators, organized into five dimensions: planning and management, forecasting, procurement, storage, and distribution. The proposed evaluative framework is useful for identifying contextual factors that may affect the availability of medicines at SUS dispensing units. The tools developed fill a gap in the literature.