Senate Panel Backs Supermarket Pharmacies With Strict Safeguards

Overview

• On Sept. 17, the Senate’s Social Affairs Committee approved PL 2.158/2023 in caráter terminativo, with a 13–0 first vote followed by a symbolic second round.
• The substitute text by Sen. Humberto Costa authorizes full pharmacies inside supermarkets to sell all classes of medicines under Anvisa standards, amending Law 5.991/1973.
• Pharmacy operations must occupy a dedicated space with a pharmacist present for all opening hours, and medicines cannot be offered on regular shelves or counters.
• For controlled medicines, the sale is finalized only after payment, and items must be carried to checkout in sealed packaging; digital channels are limited to delivery in compliance with sanitary rules.
• The Health Ministry and retail groups argue the change expands access and competition, while pharmacy associations warn of misuse risks and economic impacts; the proposal still requires approval by deputies and presidential sanction to become law.