New Legislation to Improve Access to Essential Medicines for Chronic Patients
In an effort to streamline the distribution of medicines and provide easier access to essential drugs, especially for chronic patients, the 2024 Budget Law includes legislative innovations that will bring significant changes to the current system.
During a live streaming event from the Ministry of Health on Thursday, March 7th, Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci and Undersecretary Marcello Gemmato discussed the new law and its implications. The main focus of the law is to make it easier for patients to access their medications directly from pharmacies near their homes.
One of the key changes outlined in the new law is the shift in distribution for certain medications, starting with drugs for diabetes that are currently distributed “on behalf” of the patient. This means that the Region purchases the drugs and distributes them to the pharmacy where the patient has made a request. However, under the new law, these medications will now be available through affiliated distribution, eliminating the need for this extra step.
According to Massimo Mana, the president of Federfarma Piemonte and Cuneo, this change will make it more convenient for patients as it avoids unnecessary delays and simplifies the process of obtaining essential medications. The Italian Medicines Association (AIFA) is expected to release a list of drugs that will transition to affiliated distribution by the end of March, paving the way for easier access to these medications.
Mana also highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing medications closer to patients by changing the remuneration system for pharmacies. This will encourage pharmacies to transition to affiliated distribution without increasing costs for the National Health System.
This move towards affiliated distribution is seen as a preparatory step to potentially transferring the distribution of some medications from hospitals to local pharmacies in the future.
Overall, these legislative innovations aim to improve access to essential medicines and make the process of obtaining medications more efficient for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions. The changes brought about by the 2024 Budget Law are expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare system and the well-being of patients across the country.