Recently, information was published that from the autumn, pharmacies will start charging for the service of preparing magistral drugs and galenic preparations that are not part of the contracting system with the Croatian Health Insurance Institute, it says. N1.
According to the proposal of the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacists (HLJK), the aforementioned services could become more expensive by up to 100 percent. We asked for an explanation from the HLJK, and the answers were provided by its president, Ana Soldo.
The e-consultation on the Decision on the method of setting retail prices of medicines that are not subject to contracts with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) ended in August. The goal is to ensure equal prices for all citizens of the Republic of Croatia, regardless of their place of residence.
The HLJK Council has made a decision on a proposal to change the value of the service for the production of magistral and galenic medicines. The price consists of three parts: substance, packaging and labor value. The price of magistral medicine is calculated for each patient due to different doses and quantities.
HLJK points out that a similar method of price formation is applied to galenic medicines. We cannot speak of a 100 percent increase, because the value of labor is only one of the factors that influence the price of a medicine.
Most magistral and galenic medicines are on the HZZO Medicines List, and prices for patients will not change. HLJK notes that the value of pharmacists' work has not changed since September 2016, and given inflation and increased costs, a change in the value of work has been proposed.
After considering the comments from the e-consultation, the HLJK should make a decision on the new values of work in pharmacies in September or October.
Source: N1
Photo: archive (SDŽ pharmacy)
