Francesco Nicoli1,2, Deepak Paudel2, Giulio Bresciani3, Donata Rodi4, Anna Siniscalchi4. 1. Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64A, 44121 Ferrara, Italy. 2. Center for International Health, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. 3. Pharmacy Student, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. 4. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract
Background: Donation of returned medicines is a debated health policy issue as it is discouraged by WHO, but accepted in some countries. Methods: Lessons learned from a donation programme of returned medicines carried out in Europe were documented. Results: The donation programme we reviewed followed a strict protocol for collection, sorting and distribution of returned drugs, in order to avoid the major limitations associated with unused medicine donations. Over a period of 3 years, 23 145 boxes of medicines were donated to 14 organizations operating in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Conclusions: The donations covered about one-third of the volume of medicines used by beneficiary organizations. The programme helped to decrease expenditure by both patients and health facilities.
Background: Donation of returned medicines is a debated health policy issue as it is discouraged by WHO, but accepted in some countries. Methods: Lessons learned from a donation programme of returned medicines carried out in Europe were documented. Results: The donation programme we reviewed followed a strict protocol for collection, sorting and distribution of returned drugs, in order to avoid the major limitations associated with unused medicine donations. Over a period of 3 years, 23 145 boxes of medicines were donated to 14 organizations operating in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Conclusions: The donations covered about one-third of the volume of medicines used by beneficiary organizations. The programme helped to decrease expenditure by both patients and health facilities.
Authors: Monica Chauhan; Hamza Alhamad; Rachel McCrindle; Terence K L Hui; R Simon Sherratt; Parastou Donyai Journal: Pharmacy (Basel) Date: 2021-04-20