Alert for Multiple Sclerosis patients

2024-04-15 22:02:00, Shëndeti Tanush Çaushi

The problem raised in this article is the payments that people suffering from multiple sclerosis are forced to make for drugs that are on the list of reimbursable drugs. These medicines were supposed to be taken for free, but they are asked to pay money when they go to the pharmacy.

Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis in Albania have faced a new and serious challenge. It is the high costs of medicines that are essential for managing their disease. This problem has caused many of them to feel not only the physical burden of the disease, but also an additional financial burden.

The question of the cost of medicines

When patients with multiple sclerosis use their prescriptions to get medicine from the central pharmacy of QSUT, they are faced with an unexpected request to pay an amount of 8000 new lek. This cost is a huge financial burden for many patients, especially for those in more difficult economic conditions.

Overview of the Health Care System

The problem with reimbursement and drug costs reflects a broader challenge in Albania's health system. Regardless of patient needs and medical recommendations, bureaucracy and lack of funding often prevent access to necessary and effective treatments.

Lack of drug list updates

Since 2014, the state has not made any updates to the list of drugs that are provided through QSUT and that are covered by reimbursement.

This has left patients dependent on drugs that may no longer be as effective or suitable for each individual. The lack of inclusion of new therapies has slowed progress in the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the country, leaving it behind compared to international standards and the nearby region.

Need for changes and improvements

It is important that concrete steps are taken to address these issues. The proposals include increasing transparency in the decision-making processes for including drugs on the reimbursement list, as well as providing additional funds to cover the cost of new and more efficient drugs.

Multiple sclerosis patients in Albania deserve a health care system that supports them efficiently and provides access to the best available treatments.

Addressing the issues of cost and updating the drug list can pave the way for improvements that will positively impact the lives of those who struggle daily with this challenging disease.

It's time for authorities to take action to ensure that no patient is left behind in their fight against multiple sclerosis./ CNA