GESY - THEY ARE DISCUSSING A CEILING FOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS MEDICATION - Filenews 10/3 by Marilena Panayi
Setting a ceiling on the amount of the contribution paid by patients to pharmacies during the execution of their prescriptions, for specific categories of medicines, seems to be the prevailing scenario for solving the problem that has arisen in the last two months in specific categories of medicines.
It is recalled that the problem arose after changes in the drug lists of the GHS, due to the expiration of patents on some original preparations and the simultaneous reduction of the price of some of them, resulting in the contribution paid by patients exceeding €20.
It is also stated that these are the categories in which there are drugs used for the same condition, but without containing the same active substance.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held at the HIO with the participation of the Cyprus Association of Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Companies, the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies of Cyprus and the Federation of Cyprus Patient Associations.
During the meeting, various scenarios were discussed, but the most prevalent one concerns a change in the way the patient's contribution is calculated for this category of medicines, with the aim of limiting the financial burden, by setting a ceiling on the amount of the contribution.
Specifically, the introduction of a maximum contribution limit seems to be preferred, a ceiling of a specific amount was discussed (according to information, €8), but it was not agreed, while the amount that will exceed this limit will be absorbed by the pharmaceutical companies and the HIO, in the context of an agreement that will emerge between them after negotiation.
The representatives of the companies did not take a position, for the time being positive towards this possibility, however, they committed to examine this proposal and come back with their positions.
The issue mainly concerns medicines administered to elderly patients, many of whom are retired and have been asked, in the last two months, to cover the increased costs out of their own pockets as switching to a cheaper preparation of the same category is not always a feasible option, since changing the active ingredient can affect the treatment and the stability of the patients' condition.
The HIO will prepare its proposal in writing which it will submit to the representatives of the pharmaceutical companies, setting the timetable of one week to receive their own positions.
