[Pharmaceutical distribution and retail pharmacy].
In this chapter, the main characteristics of pharmaceutical distribution and retail pharmacy are described. The author analyses the structure of this sector, the agents operating in it -wholesalers, hospital pharmacy services and chemists- and the very few modifications introduced in it in the recent years, focusing on the incentives of its current structure and their consistency with health aims. On the basis of this analysis, the author outlines some possible ways to redefine the sector, which should focus on the promotion of desirable health objectives rather than on the survival of the inefficacies that hinder its evolution. The author pays special attention to the need to modify the inadequate existing retribution system and to substitute it for a different one, which focuses on the professionalism of the service provided, rather than on the profit margin or the sales.
Fundación Instituto de Investigación en Servicios de Salud, Valencia, España. ricard.meneu@gmail.com
Ricard
R
Meneu
D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004526:Efficiency; D005381:Financing, Organized / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D013030:Spain
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations