title: Cyprus in crisis: Recent changes in the pharmaceutical market and options for further reforms without sacrificing access to or quality of treatment.
abstract: The pharmaceutical market in Cyprus has been characterised by high volume and a steep increase in per-capita expenditure over the past decade. Most importantly, the market is fragmented due to the absence of universal health insurance, and the uninsured have to rely exclusively on the private market. The objective of this study is to examine the weaknesses of the Cypriot pharmaceutical market before the financial crisis; to discuss the measures recently introduced after recommendations by the Troika; and to propose interventions that can improve access to pharmaceuticals and efficiency without compromising health outcomes. Apart from the introduction of new pharmaceutical policies, we also recommend the swift implementation of universal health insurance.
authors.affiliation: Open University of Cyprus, HealthCare Management Programme, PO Box 12794, 2252, Latsia, Cyprus; Health Insurance Organization, 17-19 Klimentos Street, 1061 Nicosia, Cyprus. Electronic address: p.petrou@gesy.org.cy.
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Petrou
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Department of Management, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sotiris
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vandoros
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003535:Cyprus; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000191:economics*; D057172:Economic Recession; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000191:economics*; D005102:Health Expenditures; D007348:Insurance, Health
keywords: Cyprus; Pharmaceutical policy; Reform