The ULS "aims to extend this service to a growing number of eligible patients" and is "stepping up promotion of the program" to bring healthcare closer to people and facilitate access to treatment.

This initiative also "reduces the need for regular trips to the hospital solely to pick up medication, without compromising safety, quality, or pharmacotherapeutic monitoring."

In a press release, the ULS stated that the local medication dispensing program, launched three months ago, "already covers over 60 patients across various municipalities in the service area, allowing them to collect specific medications—usually dispensed at the hospital—from a pharmacy of their choice."

The program covers "outpatients treated at the Viseu Dão-Lafões ULS who are clinically stable and have conditions and treatments falling within current regulations," provided they wish to "voluntarily join the service and meet the eligibility criteria."

Currently, beneficiaries include patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, plaque psoriasis, and renal failure with a kidney transplant, as well as those undergoing certain oncological treatments.

The ULS emphasized that joining the program "does not mean a reduction in hospital monitoring," as the health unit's pharmacy services "remain responsible for monitoring the patient, ensuring the continuity and safety of the treatment," as well as maintaining communication.