Strategic planning is fundamental for any organization, including health organizations that, in order to serve the population, need to manage a series of operations involving many professionals and diverse inputs. Among the basic and essential inputs are medicines, which are managed by a Central de Abastecimento Farmacêutico (CAF - Pharmaceutical Supply Center). Recognizing the importance and challenges related to the management of a CAF, the objective of this work is to prepare an operational plan for the CAF of a medium-sized public hospital, located in the city of Niterói, using the methodology of Planejamento Estratégico Situacional (PES - Situational Strategic Planning). Interviews were conducted with professionals involved with CAF activities and the current control and management mechanisms were analyzed; brainstorming sessions were also held to identify the problems faced by CAF. Among the main problems identified, epidemiological control and the lack of recognition of the pharmaceutical professional stand out. An action plan was elaborated detailing the actions, necessary resources and follow-up indicators. The PES proved to be a practical, efficient and easy to implement tool, important characteristics for its adherence, since CAF managers are health professionals with very specific training and with little knowledge in planning tools.