In the Veneto Region there must be the Regional Commission for Rheumatological Pathologies again, it must be possible to use the distribution on behalf (DPC) for drugs for the treatment of the main diseases and screening projects must be organized to intercept the pathologies early and address the sick to the assistance network. These are the three points of the motion presented in the Veneto Region by Councilor Silvia Maino to protect the health of rheumatological patients but not only. “It is an excellent initiative that poses solutions to the daily problems affecting thousands of patients living in the Veneto region. More generally, it rekindles the spotlight on very widespread but still underestimated pathologies ”, commented the National Association of Rheumatic Patients (ANMAR) and its regional section AMaRV ODV (Association of Rheumatic Patients of Veneto). Following the ANMAR-SIR motion approved unanimously in March, ANMAR Onlus, AMaRV ODV and Federfarma Veneto have found common objectives to carry it out in Veneto for the good of rheumatological patients.
“These are three points on which we have been insisting for some time because we believe them to be fundamental for improving social and health care – say ANMAR and AMaRV ODV -. We are already starting screening projects, in collaboration with Federfarma Veneto, because the role of the pharmacist must be strengthened in Veneto, as well as in the rest of the peninsula. The motion, in fact, recognizes the due importance of both patient associations and pharmacists who must be involved in regional tables. It must be remembered that the pandemic has worsened the levels of assistance of rheumatological patients especially in the Regions where Covid has hit the hardest, such as Veneto. However, some organizational-bureaucratic problems were already present before March 2020. This is the case of access and continuity of treatment with biotechnological drugs which are extremely but not always constantly available therapies “.
“The measure commits us Venetian pharmacists on two fronts – continues Andrea Bellon, President of Federfarma Veneto -. The first is that of early diagnosis on which we must train our professionals so that they are able to intercept potential patients. The second is that of the distribution in pharmacies of some therapies for the cure and treatment of the main pathologies. We can fulfill these two activities and we are convinced that enhancing the role of the pharmacist is in the interest of patients, clinicians and the entire regional health system. The capillarity of pharmacies in the territory of pharmacists must be exploited both to facilitate access to treatment and early diagnosis “.
“Veneto can become an exemplary Region for the rest of Italy – concludes Silvia Tonolo, National President of ANMAR -. In fact, it can boast excellent rheumatological professionals and centers of absolute excellence. However, some structural problems need to be resolved and this motion goes in the right direction. We are ready to support it and collaborate with regional institutions for its full implementation ”.