Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ patient associations have called for dialogue on revised drug categories in the national health system, saying changes have led to higher costs for patients. The Federation of Patient Associations said it has received complaints from patients and doctors.
Talks with health insurance organisation
The Federation of Patient Associations (Osak) said it has already begun discussions with the health insurance organisation (HIO) and has called on pharmaceutical companies to join the dialogue.
Impact of reclassification after patent expirations
Osak said it is monitoring what it described as serious repercussions on thousands of patients from the recent reclassification of certain categories of drugs in the national health system (Gesy), linked to the expiration of patents for some original drugs.
Higher patient contributions despite unchanged drug prices
The federation said it has been receiving complaints from both patients and doctors because the patient contribution has risen even though the price of the drug has not changed.
Limits on switching medicines
Osak said the issue concerns drugs in the same category used for the same condition but with different active substances. It said a doctor’s choice of medicine cannot be determined by changes in patient contributions arising from catalogue reclassifications.
Elderly and low-income pensioners affected
Osak said the issue particularly affects elderly patients, mainly pensioners and low-income pensioners, who must pay larger amounts each month to continue treatment, in some cases for a single drug.
Call to shield patients from reclassification-related costs
Osak said patients should not be liable for expired patents, price fluctuations and reclassifications, especially when no alternative can be implemented safely and without a change in treatment.
Have you been asked to pay higher monthly contributions for a medicine after a reclassification in Gesy?