A series of measures to limit pharmaceutical spending is being implemented by the Ministry of Health, at a time when companies are anxiously awaiting the “bill” of clawbacks and rebates for 2023, arguing that it was the worst year and the overspend too large. Consequently, they are asked to return exorbitant amounts to the state.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, speaking a few days ago at the Delphi Forum, admitted that the “clawback has escaped”. He also announced measures to limit it, some of which are already on track for implementation. Be that as it may, however, if they pay off they will concern 2024, with 2023 being a “headache” year for pharmaceutical companies.
Indicatively, it is estimated that the excess for the hospital medicine will be 80% of the budgeted out-of-pocket expenditure, which has put the companies active in this field in an extremely difficult position. As the representatives of the companies estimate, a solution to the heavy burden of hospital medicine can be found by redistributing the amount from the Recovery Fund for 2023 (€150 million) to the three channels of the medicine industry. They note, however, that 30 million euros are given for the hospital medicine, while it has the largest cost overrun. In addition, additional money could be requested from the Treasury to boost public pharmaceutical spending.
The notes of total returns for 2023 have not yet been distributed to the companies. According to estimates, however, the total clawback-rebate far exceeds the public expenditure. Typically, the state gives about 2.8 billion euros and the companies are estimated to be asked to return for 2023 about 3.6 billion euros. In relation to 2022, the increase in returns is estimated at 700 million Euros.
Exceeding pharmaceutical spending also has an impact on patients. And this as companies, in a difficult economic environment, in which they need to pay high returns, hesitate to bring to the country innovative treatments for many ailments.
Prescription checks and fines
Under the above circumstances, the leadership of the Ministry of Health is trying to “collect” the expenditure. It has already started the implementation of some measures. For example, strict control is being prepared for prescriptions through the Electronic Pre-Authorization System and expensive treatments that arrive in our country with orders from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Technology (IFET).
By decision of the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, a special committee of scientists of the EOPYY was set up, through which the requests of doctors for the administration of more medicines will be “passed”. The Committee will check the requests for pharmaceutical preparations, which the EOPYY fully reimburses and will either set conditions and restrictions for their approval, or will recommend their non-reimbursement until they are included in the List of Reimbursed Medicines.
At the same time, EOPYY very closely controls doctors throughout Greece for overprescribing. In the event that phenomena of unjustified prescribing are found, the Ministry of Health is determined through the EOPYY to implement the laws that provide for monetary fines and removal of the right to prescribe. From a first check, around 200 doctors exceed a high standard set in prescribing. Before any penalties are imposed, doctors are asked to justify why they have deviated from the prescriptions.
Cheap and unique drugs are also at the center of pharmaceutical policy. New, increased prices for specific drugs are expected in the coming weeks. These are cheap preparations, under five euros, but unique and necessary for several ailments or health conditions.
The Ministry of Health considers it important for public health reasons that they not leave the market due to cost. Their prices, however, are very low compared to those in other European countries. Given that pharmaceutical companies are required to pay exorbitant reimbursements, there is no commercial benefit to releasing these drugs. That is why in several cases there are shortages and they are ordered urgently through IFET, at up to three times the prices. For the progress of all these measures, the Minister of Health will inform the representatives of the pharmaceutical companies in a meeting that will take place in the next few days, as the Board of Directors of SFEE has been constituted as a body.
Ygeiamou.gr
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