The São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp) on Tuesday night (November 11) approved a bill proposed by the Tarcisio de Freitas government (Republican) to abolish the Foundation for Popular Medicine (Furp), which was established in 1968. The bill will be sent for sanctions.
Termination of the Popular Medicine Foundation
Upon termination of the Foundation, its responsibilities will be incorporated into the Butantan Institute. Today, this building is called Butantan Farma.
According to the São Paulo government, an agency affiliated with the state Ministry of Health will acquire the equipment and also manufacture medicines. Through the Unified Health System (SUS), Pharp distributed free medicines to more than 500 municipalities in São Paulo.
The Aresp state decision had been postponed last week after state lawmakers failed to meet the minimum quorum to vote on the election method request. At that time, the text did not reach the plenary session of the House of Representatives.
Approved text
The project dispatched by the government passed Aresp in a symbolic vote. Among the changes in relation to the original text is the reversal of the sale of Farp real estate, which was requested by the opposition parties.
Therefore, there is currently no clear solution in place for the plants in Guarulhos, in the São Paulo metropolitan area, and Americo Brasiliense, in the interior of the state. It is necessary to submit a new bill regarding the location of public laboratories.
Space in the metropolitan area is the most coveted. This land is located in the central region and is valued in the real estate market. The total area is approximately 20,000 square meters, of which 40,000 square meters is under construction.
Additionally, the final document approved by state lawmakers provides that no layoffs will occur. Approximately 500 employees from the foundation will be transferred to the state Department of Health.