Elcio Berti, mayor of Bocaiuva do Sul in the progressive southern state of Parana, has spent $35,000 on the impotence wonder drug which has hit the headlines around the world.

Mr Berti is known in Brazil for his unconventional attempts to increase his town's population.

Biggest challenge for 'miracle' pill

In November, he tried to ban condoms and the pill.

However, the ban was overturned by the government which said it was unconstitutional.

Mr Berti has more confidence in the Viagra giveaway. He says he is following the law.

He is hoping to meet the doctors from the Department of Health to see if he can set up special health sessions for men interested in taking the drug.

He also says he can guarantee the drug does not go into the pockets of outsiders.

His commitment to the plan goes as far as distributing the drug personally. After all, Mr Berti claims to know 90% of the town's 10,000 residents.

"I don't expect any outsiders will get free medicine because I know my residents," he told O Globo newspaper.

Investigation

He has not made clear how he obtained the drug. Opposition politicians say they will ensure the matter is investigated. If Mr Berti has used public funds, he will be taken to court, they say.

The amount of money Bocaiuva do Sul gets from the government's Municipal Participation Fund has been falling over recent months.

The town has been told it is likely to suffer a 33% funding cut in the next month. Mr Berti says this is linked to the town's population.

The state health department says Mr Berti's plan is fine as long as men who take the drug are given health checks and told of the dangers of combining the drug with other medicines.

But it has bad news for Mr Berti. Viagra only treats impotence. It does not increase fertility.