Abstract
Introduction: The National Commission for Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (Conitec) has recommended the incorporation of 203 new health technologies over the past 6 years, with 48 of these being agreed upon for coverage under the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistance (Ceaf), including 21 parenteral presentations. In line with these recommendations, the Pharmaceutical Assistance in the State of Bahia established the Bahia Center for Infusions and Specialized Medications (Cimeb) in 2020 as a strategy to enhance access to these treatments. Objective: This report aims to describe the stages of creation and the outcomes of expanded access to Ceaf treatments in Bahia following the establishment of an infusion center in the capital. Methods: This is an experiential report detailing the creation and implementation of the infusion center, along with the description of access expansion indicators from November 2020 to June 2022. Results: The location for the unit was determined, and an assistential profile was outlined. The National Register of Health Establishments (CNES) was created, and planning was carried out for physical infrastructure, staffing, and systems. Regulatory approvals were obtained, and acquisitions were made for furniture, equipment, materials, and medications. A plan for environmental risk prevention was developed, and connections were established with emergency/urgency networks and regulation services. Contracts for services were formalized. The structure includes a waiting room (200 seats), reception area (4 counters), registration room (4), social service room (1), consultation rooms (8), central sterile solution preparation room (1), infusion room (16 armchairs, 1 emergency bed), pharmaceutical supply center (1), and pharmacy (1). The multiprofessional team consists of 16 pharmacists, 5 nurses, 10 nursing technicians, 3 physicians, and 2 social workers, with the installed capacity to perform 635 daytime infusions per month. The expenditure for infrastructure and operation was R$ 616,878.31 in 2020 and R$ 878,264.00 in 2021. The average monthly attendance at the Center (registrations, consultations, dispensations, and administrations) was 3,951 in 2020, with a 10% annual growth rate until June 2022. The average number of intravenous infusions, which was 106 in 2020, increased by 198% the following year, and by June 2022 had already achieved a 158% increase compared to 2021. Out of 5,841 patients treated from January to June 2022, 584 individuals registered for venous therapies [rheumatological diseases (56%), inflammatory bowel diseases (38%)], of which 266 (45%) reside in the interior of the state Conclusion: Cimeb has significantly expanded population access to Ceaf venous treatments in Bahia. The high frequency of patients receiving venous treatment who reside in the interior highlights the need for planning decentralized actions to Health Regions, which will contribute to the consolidation of Regionalization and organization of Networks, reducing barriers and ensuring continued access promotion to medications within the SUS in the State.
