Access to medicines is a fundamental right that is at the heart of recent reforms introduced with the Legge di Bilancio 2024. These changes aim to make medicines more readily available to a wide range of citizens, with a particular focus on the over-65s, chronically ill, and disabled, while improving the efficiency and sustainability of the healthcare system. In this article we will look at the main changes and how they will affect patients’ daily lives.
Innovations introduced by the Legge di Bilancio
One of the most important innovations concerns the transfer of distribution of some essential drugs from hospital facilities to community pharmacies. This allows patients to access treatments previously available only in hospitals directly in contracted pharmacies in the territory, facilitating access especially for those who live in remote areas or have difficulty reaching hospitals.
According to the Minister of Health, overcoming old rules enacted mainly to keep spending under control has become essential to make the health care system closer to the needs of citizens. This change is particularly beneficial for chronic and elderly patients, who will benefit from distribution of drugs closer to them.
Another major change is the increase in distribution capillarity: some medications currently available only in hospitals will be dispensed in public pharmacies, providing faster and easier access. This will reduce the need to book medications through hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) is working with the Ministry of Health to ensure that this transition is economically sustainable and well integrated into the healthcare system, keeping public spending under control and optimizing resource management.
The central role of pharmacies
The shift of drug distribution from the hospital system to the territorial system not only makes access easier, but also enhances the role of pharmacies in the health care system. The Ministry highlighted how pharmacies, through their extended hours and widespread presence, make medication more accessible, improving therapeutic adherence and, consequently, clinical outcomes.
Patient associations have welcomed this reform, as the time pharmacists can devote to individual patients helps improve adherence to treatment and continuity of care, with health benefits and savings for the state.
Another important innovation, introduced by the Simplification Decree, concerns the electronic prescription. Its full implementation and extended validity will make access to medicines easier, reducing bureaucratic barriers and enabling citizens to obtain prescribed medicines more quickly.
Critical issues and challenges
Despite the opportunities provided by the new regulations, there are some critical issues that require attention. These include the economic sustainability of the transfer of drug distribution, the ability of territorial pharmacies to handle increased volumes, and coordination between regions. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health has established a technical table that will assess the economic impact of the measures and monitor their effects on therapeutic adherence.
The changes introduced by the Legge di Bilancio 2024 mark a step toward a more inclusive and citizen-centered health care system. However, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of these reforms to ensure that the benefits translate into concrete improvements for public health.
