Impact of Reimbursement of Medicines on Economic Accessibility Level for Working Population in Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Objectives: Moldova is a country where expenditure on pharmaceuticals is already very high and exceeds several times the prices in the region. Drugs expenditure represents 70% of direct health expenditure of a household and is the main factor that reduces the financial protection of health care services. The objective of the study was to assess affordability of reimbursement medicines and to evaluate the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) impact on ensuring economic accessibility. MethOds: To determine the affordability of medicines was used the methodology recommended by the World Health Organization. Have been analyzed data concerning price of drugs, the amounts paid by patients and the amounts paid by the NHIC for partially reimbursed drugs for 5 years (2008-2012). Was calculated: the median price for each drug international common name dependent's on strength; duration of treatment and number of units needed for treatment (for chronic disease); number of working days required for a treatment cure depending on minimum wage and average wage in economy. Available treatment is considered, the cost of which is 1 or less than the cost of one working day. Based on these results has been also determined the impact of the NHIC. Results: Number of economically accessible reimbursed drugs depending on minimum wage was: