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Utilization and Expenditure of Anti-cancer Medicines in Kosovo: Findings and Implications

Author

Listed:
  • Arianit Jakupi

    (UBT Higher Education Institution
    Pharmaceutical Consulting)

  • Brian Godman

    (Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde
    Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge
    University of Liverpool Management School)

  • Antony Martin

    (University of Liverpool Management School)

  • Alan Haycox

    (University of Liverpool Management School)

  • Indrit Baholli

    (European University of Tirana)

Abstract

Background and Objective The Ministry of Health (MoH) leads and organizes health policy in Kosovo, which includes procurement and provision of medicines, including anti-cancer medicines, which compose a special group of medicines. However, there has been limited analysis of the utilization and expenditure on anti-cancer medicines in Kosovo; consequently, the objective of this study is to undertake research to provide future guidance on the use of anti-cancer medicines. Method National drug utilization data is available in Kosovo. Utilization and expenditure on anti-cancer medicines [Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code L], initially from 2011 to 2013, especially for anti-cancer medicines on the essential medicines list was analysed from national data. In addition, current systems for procuring and managing anti-cancer medicines in Kosovo was documented. Results There was appreciable variability in the utilization of anti-cancer medicines over the years, with low or limited use of some anti-cancer medicines on the Essential Medicine List. This is a concern in view of their essential medicine status. From 2011 to 2013, €16.49 million was spent on anti-cancer medicines (ATC L). The process of selection of new medicines begins with suggestions from doctors at the University Clinical Centre in Kosovo. Conclusion The analysis has shown appreciable variation with current utilization patterns for anti-cancer medicines in Kosovo. This needs to be addressed as part of improving the drug management process to optimize patient care within available resources. Future years and reforms need to be assessed to improve current utilization and expenditure patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Arianit Jakupi & Brian Godman & Antony Martin & Alan Haycox & Indrit Baholli, 2018. "Utilization and Expenditure of Anti-cancer Medicines in Kosovo: Findings and Implications," PharmacoEconomics - Open, Springer, vol. 2(4), pages 423-432, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:pharmo:v:2:y:2018:i:4:d:10.1007_s41669-017-0066-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s41669-017-0066-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Wânia Cristina Silva & Brian Godman & Francisco Acúrcio & Mariângela Leal Cherchiglia & Antony Martin & Konrad Maruszczyk & Jans Bastos Izidoro & Marcos André Portella & Agner Pereira Lana & Orozimbo , 2021. "The Budget Impact of Monoclonal Antibodies Used to Treat Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Minas Gerais, Brazil," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 557-577, July.
    2. Ilir Hoxha & Valid Apuk & Besfort Kryeziu & Premtim Rashiti & Mrika Aliu & Alejandro Gonzalez Aquines & Olga Khan & Ha Thi Hong Nguyen, 2023. "Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Kosovo: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.

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