Medicines, Schillaci: no stocks are needed, alarmism creates a lack of rebound

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Of the 3,000 medicines on the AIFA list of shortages, «only 300 have no equivalent and are therefore included in the importable list» but «the alarmist communication is generating a “rebound shortage” or hoarding of medicines by patients, worried about having a supply of services, creating further tensions». This was stated by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, in a hearing before the Social Affairs Commission of the Chamber, regarding the shortage of some medicines. For the shortage of medicines “the really real problem is on 30 medicines”

Schillaci: we have control tools on drug shortages

The minister then pointed out that “the problem of the shortage of medicines was mainly raised by some press organs”. But “this is not a problem today and has existed for some time and we have all the tools to control drug shortages, there is AIFA which has always dealt with these problems with a table that has existed since 2015 and I just recently I promoted a permanent table with the stakeholders of the sector to monitor and to have initiatives in this regard».

“Urgent measures on external medical contracts”

During the hearing Schillaci, with regard to the phenomenon of ‘token holders’ or ‘shift workers’, then spoke of the intention to “face, even with extraordinary and urgent measures, the growing phenomenon of recourse to external contracts by companies and of the bodies of the National Health Service the distorted use of outsourcing, which not only generates an ever more onerous burden on the structures, but also involves serious problems in terms of safety of care».

«Started table on emergency room crisis»

Not only. «In recent days – announced Schillaci – I have started the work of a table to address the critical issues that have been registered for some time for the activities of the Emergency Department. It will be my care to keep you informed of the outcome of the work». Other objectives: promote closer integration between hospital and territory in the light of new models and standards for the development of territorial assistance, promote proximity assistance and technological innovation, both in terms of telemedicine and modernization of the technological park and hospital digital.

“Goal to assist 10% of over 65s at home”

Finally, the minister explained that the investment envisaged within the Pnrr pursues the objective of increasing the volume of services rendered in home care “up to taking charge, in line with European best practices, by 30 June 2026, 10% of the population over the age of 65, compared to the current average of around 5% for the various Italian regions». The national average level of the value of 10% to be reached with the contribution of all the regions or autonomous provinces will take into account specific regional difficulties» commented the minister.