Abem Charity Programme
Abem Charity Programme
Every day, at the counter of Correia Rosa pharmacies, we see situations where patients are unable to collect the treatment that has been prescribed for them.
In most cases, there is not the financial means to do so. In other cases, people choose the ‘most essential’ medicines over others so that the family budget is enough to cover all their expenses.
In the long term, these choices have an impact on the health of these patients and on the health of each and every one of us. And why? Because these patients’ medical conditions will become uncontrolled, forcing them to seek help at NHS A&E departments, thereby overburdening a system that is already stretched to its limits.
As a result, the Correia Rosa pharmacies have joined forces with Dignitude and signed up to the Abem charity programme.
Abem is the first charity programme run by Associação Dignitude, a private social welfare organisation, which was established through a partnership between the social sector – Cáritas Portuguesa and Plataforma Saúde em Diálogo – and the health sector – the National Association of Pharmacies and the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Industry Association. The programme’s mission is to develop charitable projects with a significant social impact, which promote the quality of life and well-being of the Portuguese people.
What can we do?
Throughout the year, there are various Abem campaigns at participating pharmacies. Simply round up your change at the end of your purchase to make a donation.
By allocating 0.5% of your income tax to the Dignitude Association, you are helping those most in need at no cost to yourself.
Latest ABEM Campaign
Results of the latest campaign
15 to 26 December 2025
In the latest ABEM campaign, ‘Give your change to those who need it most’, Correia Rosa Pharmacies contributed 17.7 per cent of the campaign’s total proceeds.
Over €3,250 was raised, which will ensure medication for 20 people for a year.
In this video, we explain the importance of the ABEM Programme in tackling inequalities in access to healthcare, its real impact on the lives of Portuguese families, and the vital role played by community pharmacies as local hubs providing ongoing monitoring and support to beneficiaries.
Pharmacies are much more than just places where medicines are dispensed: they are active players in public health, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to looking after their health.
What do I need to know?
The Programme abem< 1 >is the first programme launched by the Dignitude Association. This programme aims to address the problems of access to medicines caused by the current socio-economic context.
The scheme is intended for individuals in need who lack the financial means to purchase their medicines. Furthermore, it is also intended to cover cases of unexpected financial hardship resulting from sudden unemployment or the onset of a disabling illness.
Each beneficiary is issued with a card that allows them to access their prescribed medicines with 100% of the cost covered. They can do so at any pharmacy in the country, without any further red tape and with the dignity they deserve.
It is a fund made up of all donations. All donations are channelled into the Solidarity Fund, which is used solely to subsidise the cost of medicines prescribed to abem beneficiaries.
Yes! You can make a donation to the Dignitude Association, become an Abem friend or corporate partner, and donate fines or penalties.
