Health announces purchase of insulin amid risk of shortages

The Ministry of Health informed this Monday (15) that it signed a contract for the emergency purchase of 1.3 million units of fast-acting insulin analogue (aspart molecule) to guarantee the supply of the network in the Unified Health System (SUS) . The amount, according to the folder, is sufficient for the treatment of more than 67 thousand patients. The prediction, however, is that the first delivery will be made by July 9. “The Ministry of Health maintains negotiations with the distributor to anticipate part of the quantity”. In a note, the folder mentions “difficulty in acquiring” fast-acting insulin analogues, indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, which accounts for 5% to 10% of people diagnosed with the disease. The communiqué lists, in addition to the international emergency purchase of the input, other measures to avoid shortages in the public network, including the relocation of existing stocks between the states and the purchase authorization by the state health departments with reimbursement by the federal government. “It should be emphasized that the country is facing a scenario of lack of national production of analogue fast-acting insulin in a sustainable way and capable of meeting national needs”, highlighted the ministry. “The expectation, based on constant dialogue with state health departments and intense monitoring by the ministry in partnership with Conass [Conselho Nacional de Secretários de Saúde], is that it is possible to maintain the equal supply in the SUS network until the beginning of June from the relocation between the federated entities. In addition, the Ministry of Health has been reimbursing the states that have a current agenda for the direct purchase of the drug.” The folder reinforced that the most consumed regular insulins, indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes and other types, have “adequate stock” and that the case of fast-acting analogue insulin is being treated “with the highest priority” with national and international suppliers. international institutions to guarantee the assistance to the population.

Agência Brasil