in-cyprus 5 December 2023
The Health Insurance Organisation (OAY) suggests the inclusion of two more Non-Prescription Medicines (NPM) in the General Health System [GESY].
Simultaneously, they propose to the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association a plan to transfer all NPMs, currently dispensed through GESY as exceptions, to specific patient groups through local pharmacies.
The proposal outlines the additional funds intended to be added to GESY pharmacy budgets for these specific changes, leaving room for financial adjustments through negotiation and urges pharmacists to submit their written proposals.
Specifically, the proposal by OAY includes:
- Transfer of NPMs currently dispensed only by state pharmacies to private pharmacies. If implemented, patients who currently receive specific medications (e.g., vitamins) through GESY as exceptions will be able to obtain them from their local pharmacy without the need to visit state pharmacies and wait in queues.
- Inclusion of aspirin and vitamin D in GESY coverage. OAY suggests their availability at neighbourhood pharmacies.
In both cases, OAY specifies the health conditions for which these medications will be provided.
Similar to other NPMs distributed through GESY, these medications will be prescribed for specific indications and patient groups rather than the general population.
Over the past 24 hours, the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association has been studying OAY’s proposal and is preparing its counter-proposal, expected to be submitted to the organization in the coming days.
Pharmacists have not clarified their intentions regarding the specific proposals, and while the suggested funds by OAY have not been rejected so far, concerns arise about whether the transfer of even a small number of NPMs to private pharmacies will lead to additional concessions.
On the other hand, it is likely that a request for a general increase in the budget of GESY pharmacies will be made beyond the funds proposed by the OAY for the distribution of specific NPMs through local pharmacies.
Although there seems to be no significant economic disparity between the two parties at present, the outcome will depend on the course of negotiations in the coming period.
The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association had previously conducted a study, with the input of experts, on the economic aspect of the participation of private pharmacies in GESY.
According to the study’s results presented to OAY, a comprehensive budget increase for GESY pharmacies by several million is necessary.
Finally, it is a given that the negotiation between the two sides will also address the issue of overprescribing drugs by GESY doctors.
There is a common belief that the unit price, which determines pharmacists’ compensation, is significantly influenced by the behaviour of both doctors and beneficiaries of the system.
