MINSALUD CENTRALIZES RARE DISEASE DRUG PURCHASE
- BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — In an effort to improve access to costly medications for patients with rare or orphan diseases, Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection issued
- Under the new standard, the government will centralize the purchase of medications not financed by the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC).These drugs are currently acquired through maximum budget allocations.The...
- This shift means that instead of individual Health Promoting Entities (EPS) handling the procurement, the government will assume responsibility for acquiring drugs for approximately 72,440 patients with rare...
Colombia Centralizes Drug Purchases for rare Diseases
Table of Contents
- Colombia Centralizes Drug Purchases for rare Diseases
- Colombia Centralizes Drug Purchases for Rare Diseases: Your questions Answered
- What is Resolution 542 and what does it do?
- How does the centralized purchasing system work?
- Who is affected by this resolution?
- What are some of the challenges patients with rare diseases face?
- What role does PAHO/WHO play?
- How are medications prescribed under this new system?
- What are some of the most prevalent rare diseases in Colombia?
- What is the Ministry of Health’s perspective on this new resolution?
- What are the next steps?
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — In an effort to improve access to costly medications for patients with rare or orphan diseases, Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection issued Resolution 542 on March 31. The measure aims to ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines for this vulnerable population.
Centralized Purchasing System
Under the new standard, the government will centralize the purchase of medications not financed by the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC).These drugs are currently acquired through maximum budget allocations.The Administrative Resources for Social Security in Health (ADRES) will continue to finance these medications, but the ministry of Health will now manage the funds.
This shift means that instead of individual Health Promoting Entities (EPS) handling the procurement, the government will assume responsibility for acquiring drugs for approximately 72,440 patients with rare diseases, according to February 2023 data from ACEMI, a health sector association.These patients ofen require some of the most expensive treatments available.
Distribution Logistics
Following the centralized purchase, the ministry of Health will deliver the medications to a pharmaceutical manager designated by the patient’s EPS. This logistics operator will than be responsible for receiving and distributing the drugs throughout Colombia via its network of providers, ensuring that patients receive their prescribed medications.
Government’s Role
Essentially, the government will replace the EPS in the purchasing process, taking over the administrative and logistical tasks. The Ministry of Health anticipates that this change will eliminate delays and administrative hurdles, allowing treatments to reach patients more efficiently.
patient advocacy
The Colombian Federation of Rare Diseases (FECOER) has been vocal about the challenges patients face in accessing necessary medications.The association has staged demonstrations to advocate for the right to health care for individuals with rare and orphan diseases.
Challenges Ahead
Orphan or rare diseases are characterized by their unusual nature and the high cost and specificity of their treatments. The government faces a significant administrative challenge in managing the procurement of these diverse treatments.
Among the 72,440 Colombians with rare diseases, multiple sclerosis is the most prevalent, affecting 4,516 individuals, or 6% of the total.Other common conditions include von Willebrand’s disease (3,529 patients), hemophilia A (3,218), Guillain-Barre syndrome (2,959), and psoriatic rheumatism (2,575).
Official Statement
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the resolution will provide thousands of Colombians who have struggled to get treatment with faster and more equitable access to the medications they need. The statement added that the health system is moving toward a more inclusive and fair model, ensuring that no one is left without care for economic or bureaucratic reasons.
PAHO/WHO Involvement
The Ministry of Health will make centralized purchases through the Regional Rotary Fund for the acquisition of strategic public health products of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). These purchases will include medications not financed with UPC resources but specifically indicated for treating rare diseases as defined in Colombia.
The resolution stipulates that medications for centralized purchase must be prescribed using the Mipres technological tool by the treating physician. The Ministry encourages the public and health professionals to familiarize themselves with the new standard and collaborate to ensure its effective implementation, guaranteeing access to necessary treatments for all citizens.
Minister’s Comments
Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo said, “With this resolution, we are eliminating barriers generated by market distortion, complying with the statutory law, and ensuring that no patient with orphan diseases is left without the medication it needs.” He added, ”Our commitment is to the lives and well-being of people, and this is a fundamental step to make the health system a more equitable and accessible model for all.”
Colombia Centralizes Drug Purchases for Rare Diseases: Your questions Answered
This article provides information about the Colombian Ministry of HealthS Resolution 542, which centralizes the purchase of medications for rare diseases. This information is designed to be informative and address potential questions you may have.
What is Resolution 542 and what does it do?
Issued on March 31st, Resolution 542 is a new initiative by Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Its primary goal is to improve access to essential and frequently enough expensive medications for patients with rare or orphan diseases.The resolution centralizes the purchasing process, aiming to ensure that these vital medicines are consistently available to those who need them.
How does the centralized purchasing system work?
Under the new system, the Colombian government, specifically the Ministry of Health, will take over the responsibility of purchasing medications that are not financed by the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC). Previously, Health Promoting Entities (EPS) handled these purchases. The Administrative Resources for Social Security in Health (ADRES) will continue to fund the medications, but the ministry of Health will now directly manage the funds and the procurement process. This change is expected to streamline the process and eliminate administrative hurdles. The Ministry will then deliver the medications to a pharmaceutical manager designated by the patient’s EPS.
Who is affected by this resolution?
This resolution directly impacts approximately 72,440 Colombians who are living with rare diseases. These patients often require expensive treatments and have faced challenges in consistently accessing their medications. The resolution aims to improve the supply and availability of these crucial medicines.
What are some of the challenges patients with rare diseases face?
Patients with rare diseases deal with a complex set of challenges, including:
- High Medication Costs: Treatments for rare diseases are often very costly.
- Limited Availability: Access to these medications can be limited.
- Administrative hurdles: The process of obtaining medications can be complex and time-consuming.
The Colombian Federation of Rare Diseases (FECOER) has been vocal in advocating for improved access to medications, highlighting the struggles these patients experience.
What role does PAHO/WHO play?
The Ministry of Health will make centralized purchases through the Regional rotary Fund of the Pan American Health Association/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for strategic public health products. This includes medications specifically indicated for treating rare diseases in Colombia,not financed by the UPC.
How are medications prescribed under this new system?
Medications for centralized purchase must be prescribed using the Mipres technological tool by the treating physician. This ensures proper oversight and control in the prescription process.
What are some of the most prevalent rare diseases in Colombia?
Among the Colombians affected by rare diseases, the most common conditions include:
- Multiple Sclerosis: 4,516 patients (6% of the total)
- Von Willebrand’s disease: 3,529 patients
- Hemophilia A: 3,218 patients
- Guillain-Barre syndrome: 2,959 patients
- Psoriatic rheumatism: 2,575 patients
What is the Ministry of Health’s perspective on this new resolution?
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that Resolution 542 is a meaningful step towards a more just and accessible health system.Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo stated that the resolution eliminates barriers, ensures no patient is left without needed medication, and is a commitment to the lives and well-being of Colombians.They anticipate that this change will improve treatment access.
What are the next steps?
Both the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new standard to ensure its effective implementation, guaranteeing access to necessary treatments for all citizens.The Ministry of Health is taking steps to manage the procurement of these diverse treatments.