Expensive Drugs Reimbursed by Health Insurance in Outpatient Pharmacies: Effects of Pharmaceutical Policy Changes on the Retail Distribution of Medicines
New, expensive medicines are increasingly used in outpatient care instead of specialised medical care, and the share of sales of expensive medicines in the pharmaceutical sales of prescription medicines in Finland has risen in recent years. These developments have an impact on the retail distribution of medicines, the accessibility of medicines, and the users of medicines, among others.
The aim of this study is to describe the importance of expensive medicines as part of outpatient retail sales, and the development of their accessibility and retail distribution in Finland in the 2000s. The study focuses particularly on assessing the impact of the change regarding the pharmaceutical tariff and pharmacy tax, which will enter into force at the beginning of 2023, on the accessibility and retail distribution of expensive medicines. Another aim is to identify and describe the means used in Europe to organise the distribution of expensive medicines.
The research is carried out using register data. The project will also carry out a systematic review of the distribution of and guidance surrounding expensive medicines in Europe, based on a systematic literature search.
Researchers
- Hanna Koskinen, Leading Researcher
- Pekka Heino
- Kati Sarnola
Project Implementation Period
1.1.2023–31.12.2025
