Donation programme of returned medicines: role of donors and point of view of beneficiaries. Issue 2 (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicoli, Francesco; Paudel, Deepak; Bresciani, Giulio; Rodi, Donata; Siniscalchi, Anna
• Is Part Of: International health. Volume 10:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: Donation programme -- Medicine donation -- Returned drugs -- Returned medicines -- Unused medicines; World health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 362.1091724
• DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihy004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-3413

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Donation of returned medicines is a debated health policy issue as it is discouraged by WHO, but accepted in some countries. Methods: Lessons learned from a donation programme of returned medicines carried out in Europe were documented. Results: The donation programme we reviewed followed a strict protocol for collection, sorting and distribution of returned drugs, in order to avoid the major limitations associated with unused medicine donations. Over a period of 3 years, 23 145 boxes of medicines were donated to 14 organizations operating in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Conclusions: The donations covered about one-third of the volume of medicines used by beneficiary organizations. The programme helped to decrease expenditure by both patients and health facilities.