Health Department ensures continuity of cannabis program in SUS and talks about new bidding process

During a public hearing held by the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Parliamentary Front at the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp), the coordinator of the Cannabis Working Group at the State Department of Health (SES-SP), José Luiz Amaral, brought up an important issue for the future of access to cannabis-based medications in SUS, emphasizing the possibility of a new bidding process at the end of the 12-month contract, in effect since March 2024.

Follow the interview:

Amaral emphasized that, at the end of the current contract, which ensures the supply of medications until mid-next year, a new bidding process may be carried out, if necessary, to guarantee the continuity of treatment for the thousands of families that depend on these products.

"Our intention goes far beyond simply dispensing cannabis medications", Amaral points out.

The coordinator also addressed important topics such as the working trajectory of the Working Group, the possibility of updating regulations, streamlining the tests required to request products via SUS, and, if scientific evidence is confirmed, the inclusion of more diseases.

"The average calculated by the Working Group was that the State of São Paulo could, within the three covered diseases (Dravet syndrome, Lennox Gastaut, and Tuberous Sclerosis), have around four thousand patients benefiting from the Law on access to cannabis products. That is, the department is prepared to comfortably serve this number."

Amaral further explains that approximately 27 thousand bottles of the product have been purchased so far, but only 54 patients have obtained their medications through the 40 live pharmacies spread throughout the State.

"The idea is for patients to be able to retrieve their products every six months, avoiding logistical strain of collection. Another important point is the update of supporting tests, which currently need to be done every six months as well. However, we are already reviewing this regulation, which may be changed soon", assures the coordinator.

The measures highlighted by Amaral aim, according to him, to ensure that there is no interruption in service, maintaining the regularity of access to medications, which is crucial for patients who are already benefiting. His statement signals a commitment from the Health Department to maintain the provision of cannabis-based treatments, reinforcing the importance of monitoring demand and adjusting acquisitions as needed to meet the population's needs.

The hearing also featured speeches from sector specialists such as neurosurgeon and scientific director of Sechat, Dr. Pedro Pierro. Along with health law specialist lawyer Leonardo Navarro, patient's mother, activist, and founder of the Cultive association, Cindinha Carvalho, among others. 

Watch the full session here: