Logística reversa de medicamentos: um estudo nas principais redes de farmácias da zona norte de Natal - RN

Abstract

Inadequate disposal of medicines is a global problem and contributes to the triggering of several environmental problems. Not exempt from the rest of the countries, Brazil faces significant challenges related to the problem. In this context, reverse medication logistics emerges as an extremely important tool in terms of collaboration for environmental protection. Therefore, the general objective of this work is to analyze the level of implementation of Reverse Logistics for medicines in the main pharmacy chains in the north of Natal - RN. For this purpose, descriptive research with a qualitative approach is used as a methodology, as technical procedures, a bibliographical review and as a data collection, it was decided to carry out interviews with pharmacists responsible for the pharmacies that were the focus of the research and with customers of these pharmacies, through use of questionnaires. In this sense, five pharmacies located in the north of Natal – RN were selected, which contained national chains and local pharmacies, and a total of eight customers who were willing to participate in the research. Regarding the main results found, it was found that there is a culture of purchasing medicines for home storage, which is stimulated by the cost-benefits of offers in pharmacies. The research data also showed that the population itself is unaware of the proper disposal of medicines, as well as their responsibility in the process. Finally, the data indicates that there is an irregularity regarding compliance with State Law No. 10,094/2016, which provides for Reverse Logistics of medicines and other specifications, triggering the need for more effective supervision regarding procedures under the responsibility of pharmacies and manufacturing laboratories. of medicines.