Avaliação da política de medicamentos do Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica no âmbito da saúde mental no período de janeiro de 2022 a junho de 2025

Abstract

This study analyzed the effectiveness of the public policy for the provision of psychiatric medications through the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistancem(CEAF) from January 2022 to June 2025. The research adopted a documentary and quantitative approach, focusing on the psychiatric medications incorporated into CEAF, the updates of clinical protocols, and their relation to lawsuits involving mental health in the state of Ceará. Findings show that despite regulatory and institutional advances in organizing pharmaceutical assistance, major challenges persist in the actual availability of the incorporated medications. The delays between incorporation decisions and real-life availability severely impact access to treatment and encourage legal action by patients. The study also identified significant supply chain failures concerning psychiatric medications, even those with valid clinical protocols. Furthermore, the data indicate an asymmetrical prioritization of mental health conditions compared to other therapeutic areas, and an increasing burden on the public system caused by health-related lawsuits—used by patients as a last resort to access treatments. In this context, the research concludes that strengthening public governance, enhancing transparency in the incorporation and distribution processes, and improving cooperation among government levels are essential for advancing this policy. Mental health, as a fundamental right, demands budgetary prioritization, strategic planning, and ethical commitment from public managers. When well implemented, CEAF stands as a key tool in ensuring access to high-cost medications and promoting equity within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).