Marche Region Launches Centralized System to Combat Drug Shortages
ANCONA, Italy – The Marche region is implementing a new centralized management system to address recurring drug deficiencies impacting patient care, officials announced today.The initiative,approved earlier this month,aims to streamline drug procurement and distribution,ensuring consistent availability of essential medications across the region’s healthcare facilities.
Persistent shortages of vital pharmaceuticals have plagued healthcare systems globally and within Italy, disrupting treatments and forcing clinicians to seek alternatives. The Marche region’s move represents a proactive step to mitigate these disruptions, prioritizing patient safety and access to necessary therapies. The project will initially focus on critical care drugs, with plans for expansion to encompass a wider range of medications.
The centralized system will consolidate purchasing power, allowing the region to negotiate more favorable contracts with pharmaceutical companies and secure larger supply volumes. It will also establish a real-time inventory tracking system, providing a complete overview of drug availability across hospitals, pharmacies, and local health authorities.
“This is a crucial step towards guaranteeing continuity of care for our citizens,” stated a representative from the regional health authority. “by centralizing management, we can anticipate and respond to potential shortages more effectively, preventing disruptions to treatment plans.”
The project’s implementation will be phased, beginning with a pilot program in several key hospitals. Data collected during the pilot phase will inform further refinements to the system before a full regional rollout is completed by the end of the year. The regional government has allocated €500,000 for the initial implementation and ongoing maintenance of the centralized drug management system.
The Marche region’s initiative follows similar efforts in other Italian regions grappling with drug shortages, signaling a growing recognition of the need for coordinated strategies to safeguard pharmaceutical supply chains. The success of this project could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
