The Need to Support Pharmacies Through Timely Payments by Insurers and the Planning and Budget Organization
During a meeting in Shiraz attended by the Head of the Food and Drug Administration and the Fars Pharmacists’ Association, discussions emphasized the gradual adjustment of drug margins without causing shocks to the pharmaceutical network. The meeting also explored the feasibility of transferring plan-based drugs to private pharmacies with proper notification and highlighted the necessity of supporting pharmacies through timely payments by insurers and the Planning and Budget Organization.
Key topics included addressing the challenges in the country’s pharmaceutical sector, the need to support pharmacies through prompt settlement of claims by insurers and budget organizations, liquidity issues in the “Daroyar” initiative, and delays in resource allocation. Additionally, the critical role of pharmacists’ associations in reducing the burden on the government and supporting pharmaceutical policies was underscored.
Other priorities discussed included strengthening oversight of clinics and hospital drugs, as well as managing hospital debts.
Dr. Mehdi Pirsaheli, noting the limited financial resources in the pharmaceutical sector, emphasized the importance of greater involvement by pharmacists’ associations in policy development and revision. He also called for addressing inequities in the distribution of regional drug quotas and increasing the authority of Article 20 Commissions, with the condition of preventing unlimited discretionary power.
