ROME – They have called it the "pink revolution of August." The unusual decision to change the rules for prescribing drugs on the pink prescription in the middle of the holidays aroused the protests of the doctors and the surprise of many patients. Yes, because the provision of the decree on the review of public spending (the so-called spending review) came into force the day before yesterday, which obliges doctors to write the active ingredient of the drug on the prescription. However, the doctor can also write the trade name which becomes mandatory for the pharmacist only if the doctor gives a specific reason written in the prescription.
The objective of the operation is clear: to encourage the consumption of "unsigned" drugs, known as equivalents or generics, for which Italy occupies one of the last places in the world. And in this way reduce the pharmaceutical expenditure paid by the state. But the patients? Will they accept this sudden change? Will the elderly give up the tablet they have been used to perhaps for years for another with an unknown name? Il Messaggero asked the Minister of Health, Renato Balduzzi.
Minister, was it really necessary to start such a delicate operation in the heart of summer?
«This intervention was included in a broader decree concerning public spending. The rule took effect on August 15th together with the entry into force of all the other articles. So I understand some complaints but I have to say that about a month has passed since the approval of the decree in the Senate. The rule was already clear and in the meantime any doubts have been eliminated by a circular from the ministry"
But there is no shortage of controversy. Doctors, for example, complain that they have not had time to update their computers and therefore that they are forced to go back to writing prescriptions by hand…
“Any change ends up creating discomfort. And I understand the psychological effect that can occur in some groups of patients. But I wouldn't exaggerate. Faced with some difficulties, in the name of the alliance between doctor and patient, it is essential to aim for a persuasive approach to solving problems. It is important that the new law is applied with wisdom and balance. But what must be clear right away is that I don't even want to think remotely of boycotting this operation. The government is determined to act with determination."
What does it mean?
«Well, I repeat that the rule is clear. Therefore, the doctor is allowed to oblige the pharmacist to deliver a commercial drug only in the face of a specific health problem. Again: it is not allowed to write a specific drug on the prescription saying that the patient requests it. Reactions like that wouldn't make sense."
But what do Italian families gain from the recipe revolution?
«According to our estimates, by purchasing medicines with expired patents instead of equivalent ones, Italian families spend around 800 million more each year. I remind you that the national health system already reimburses those who buy a drug with an expired patent only the cost of the equivalent one".
So what is the advantage for the state?
«In the medium term, the d
