[Implementation of reverse logistics for medicines and their packaging in São Paulo, Brazil: advances in the first year (2021)].

Abstract

Brazil started the reverse medicine logistics system (RML) in 2020 as a way of managing this waste. In 2021, São Paulo State brought forward the geographic target of implementing the RML system for municipalities with a population ≥ 200 thousand inhabitants. Our objective was to analyze the performance of the RML system in São Paulo during 2021. This is an ecological study on the performance of the RML system implemented in the 40 municipalities from São Paulo with operations starting in 2021. We used the database generated by the RML system operator (LogMed). The anticipation of the geographic target allowed the RML system to serve approximately 64% of the state's population. 35,514.61 kg of waste were collected in these 40 municipalities, amount that could be greater if Itapevi had started its operation. In general, the regional health departments (RHD) with the largest populations served collected the largest amounts of waste. However, there is no direct relationship between the number of fixed collection points implemented, compliance with the population target for implementing fixed points and waste collection per capita in the RHD. Educational campaigns on the disposal of pharmaceutical waste are essential to improve the performance of the RML system.