Políticas públicas de fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais na atenção primária à saúde: uma proposta de avaliação

Abstract

The implementation of phytotherapy in Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) represents the consolidation of an ancient practice within the public health system, offering an additional therapeutic option that provides benefits like disease prevention, health promotion, and recovery. However, Brazil faces challenges in consolidating phytotherapy in the SUS and in the effective structuring and operation of "living pharmacies," despite having public policies for such practices, such as the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices and the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines. Establishing phytotherapy services in a municipality requires commitment from administrators and healthcare professionals, along with strategies for maintenance, strengthening, and political coordination. Public policy evaluation involves generating preliminary information about the subject under study, which, when conducted systematically and organized, enhances the accuracy of decision-making. Therefore, tracking the implementation processes of these policies and evaluating their impact is essential. Various aspects need to be considered in health policies, including access to health services, restrictions and barriers, program planning aligned with population needs, resources allocated to address the issue, equity, quality of care, and the positive impact on health conditions. Additionally, external factors influencing the planning and implementation of these policies must be addressed. The 3I+E framework provided a conceptual plan used to analyze the factors shaping policy formulation, proving a useful tool for assessing the key elements influencing whether a decision progresses toward implementation. By examining relevant institutions, interests, ideas, and external factors through the 3I+E framework in this study, it was found that policies related to phytotherapy and medicinal plants in the SUS reveal a promising scenario with significant advances in the implementation and acceptance of these practices. However, critical challenges remain, particularly concerning regulation, continuous training, and expanding scientific evidence. Sustained monitoring and evaluation efforts are crucial to ensuring these policies are effective and safe, contributing to improved health and well-being for the population.