Access and use of WHO essential medicines in Italy

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1211208
• Publication Date: 2023-10-10T04:30:48Z
• Authors: Alessandro Petrella; Filomena Fortingu...; Agnese Cangini; Andrea Pierantozzi; Francesco Trotta
• Keywords: Reimbursement; Essential medicines

Many countries use the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) as a guide for health policy choices to promote efficient of healthcare resources or adopt concept essential medicines (EMs) develop their own national list medicines. The aim this study is analyse availability and included in 22nd EML Italy.Using ATC code (5th level), comparison was made between those retrieved from Italian Agency (AIFA) database. (regulatory reimbursement status) EMs, well market share expenditure (million euros) consumption [measured WHO-defined daily doses (DDDs)], compared all reimbursed 2021, were analysed.In approximately 85.2% (n = 414) commonly marketed Italy. Of these, 396 EMs fully by National Healthcare Service (INHS), corresponding 81.5% (396/486) EML, while remaining 18.5% (90/486) neither authorised 72) nor 18). found low coverage anti-parasitic, insecticides, repellent products (ATC P) addition genitourinary system sex hormones G). Even though on including therapeutic alternatives, accounted ~48.5% INHS, covered 74% drug consumed. Novel high-cost therapies indicated high-prevalence diseases rare conditions, mostly antineoplastic immune-modulating agents L) not also guaranteed.In Italy, high found. It largely even when other European countries. represented percentage overall could be an important tool high-income countries, although more frequent update easier access information rejected are needed.