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Reregulation of the Swedish pharmacy sector—A qualitative content analysis of the political rationale

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  • Wisell, Kristin
  • Winblad, Ulrika
  • Sporrong, Sofia Kälvemark

Abstract

In 2009, a reregulation of the Swedish pharmacy sector took place, and a fundamental change in ownership and structure followed. The reregulation provides an opportunity to reveal the politicians’ views on pharmacies. The aim of this study was to explore and analyze the political arguments for the reregulation of the Swedish pharmacy sector in 2009. The method used was a qualitative content analysis of written political documents regarding the reregulation. The primary rationales for the reregulation were better availability, efficiency, price pressure, and safe usage of medicines. During the preparatory work, the rationales of diversity on the market and entrepreneurship were added, while the original rationales of efficiency, price pressure, and better usage of medicines were abandoned. The reform can be seen as a typical New Public Management reform influenced by the notion that private actors are better equipped to perform public activities. The results point to that the reform was done almost solely in order to introduce private ownership in the pharmacy sector, and was not initiated in order to solve any general problems, or to enhance patient outcomes of medicine use.

Suggested Citation

  • Wisell, Kristin & Winblad, Ulrika & Sporrong, Sofia Kälvemark, 2015. "Reregulation of the Swedish pharmacy sector—A qualitative content analysis of the political rationale," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(5), pages 648-653.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:119:y:2015:i:5:p:648-653
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2015.03.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lilja, John, 1987. "The nationalisation of the Swedish pharmacies," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 24(5), pages 423-429, January.
    2. Lluch, Maria & Kanavos, Panos, 2010. "Impact of regulation of Community Pharmacies on efficiency, access and equity. Evidence from the UK and Spain," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(2-3), pages 245-254, May.
    3. Stolt, Ragnar & Blomqvist, Paula & Winblad, Ulrika, 2011. "Privatization of social services: Quality differences in Swedish elderly care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(4), pages 560-567, February.
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    1. Gallone, Emma Luisa & Ravetto Enri, Lorenzo & Pignata, Irene & Baratta, Francesca & Brusa, Paola, 2020. "The 2017 deregulation of pharmacies in Italy: Introducing non-pharmacist ownership," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(12), pages 1281-1286.
    2. Wisell, Kristin & Winblad, Ulrika & Kälvemark Sporrong, Sofia, 2019. "Diversity as salvation? – A comparison of the diversity rationale in the Swedish pharmacy ownership liberalization reform and the primary care choice reform," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(5), pages 457-461.

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