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Beyond drugs, more and more health services: not only vaccinations and swabs that have gained space with the pandemic, but also blood tests, blood pressure measurement and above all brand new telemedicine services such as electrocardiogram, cardiac and blood pressure holters or spirometry. . Here is the service pharmacy at the center of an experiment that now involves around 9 thousand pharmacies, half of the entire audience. And which could be extended by the budget maneuver thanks to a series of amendments reported by the majority with an allocation of 25 million while waiting for the same service pharmacy to become fully operational with the approval of the simplification bill.
The extension of the pharmacy services also for 2025
There are three amendments to the budget maneuver reported among those of the majority which effectively provide for the extension of the service pharmacy trial to the end of 2025 (in fact it expires at the end of the year). The text of the amendments then provides “in consideration of the positive results of the activities conducted, by and no later than 30 September 2025 the Joint Committee and the Technical Table will evaluate the outcomes of the overall experimental activity for the purposes of reporting expenses and possible stabilization of new services provided by pharmacies”. In short, the objective is to achieve definitive stabilization of the pharmacy services at the end of the experimentation period. Furthermore, to “+allow the extension as well as the extension of the testing of welfare services and functions, the expenditure of 25,300,000 euros is also authorized for 2025”.
The definition of the service pharmacy
The service pharmacy was actually born thanks to three decrees between 2019 and 2011, the pharmacy as a healthcare facility capable of providing, in addition to medicines, a series of additional services: it started with some nursing services and self-monitoring blood tests (with do-it-yourself kits) but only after the tsunami of the pandemic during which pharmacies were crucial did the project really take off with the idea of experimenting with telemedicine diagnosis services (ECG, Holter and spirometry) with remote telereporting, carried out in real time and certified by medical specialists. The project, which in 2016 had just over 2,000 participating pharmacies, has now involved over 9,000, in practice just over half of all pharmacies. According to a recent survey by Federfarma, the ECG is expected in 52%, the blood pressure Holter is 50% and the blood pressure is 46%. Spirometry is present in only 8%.
The implementation in the simplifications bill
Meanwhile, a boost to pharmacy services is contained in the new rules contained in the simplification bill now being examined by the Senate. A bill that brings together all the new services that will be added to those already offered today (from tests such as blood sugar or cholesterol to blood pressure control), with the additional novelty that it will be able to conquer new physical spaces complete with an ad hoc sign next to it to the traditional green cross that distinguishes them: the bill on simplifications provides in fact that to provide health services “the owners of the pharmacy can use premises separate from those where the pharmacy is located”, with the foresight, however, that in these same premises is “prohibited from collecting medical prescriptions and from any dispensing or sale of medicines or other products”. However, the provision has also attracted several criticisms, especially from laboratories and clinics who ask that pharmacies be provided with the same standards as those required for them to carry out analyzes and diagnostic services.
Revamping Pharmacies: More Than Just Pill Pushers!
Oh, come on! Are we really at a point where pharmacies are acting like full-fledged health centres? That’s what we’re doing now? Next, they’ll be asking us to show up for surgical procedures! But, believe it or not, pharmacies are expanding faster than my waistline at an all-you-can-eat buffet! This article outlines how pharmacies are no longer just your friendly neighbourhood drug dispensers—they’re turning into mini healthcare hubs! Talk about a plot twist.
Thanks to the pandemic, suddenly, everything revolves around health services—it’s like someone flipped a switch! The conventional services we used to see have grown exponentially, embracing everything from blood tests to electrocardiograms, and yes, even the notorious Holter monitor! Who knew that the local pharmacy would become a veritable health empire? It’s like Harry Potter but for healthcare—a magical transformation!
The Pharmacy Service Expands: A 2025 Vision
And wait for it… these pharmacy services aren’t just here to stay—they’re getting an extension through 2025! Yes, the powers that be have decided that pharmacies, which have stepped up to the plate, deserve a pat on the back (and a hefty budget to match). A whopping €25 million has been set aside for this new order of business. It’s almost as if they’ve found a treasure map leading straight to modern healthcare!
So, here’s the deal: by the end of this year, they’ve introduced three amendments that’ll keep these services rolling until 2025. They’re looking for “positive outcomes” to pave the way for something permanent. Meanwhile, the Joint Committee and Technical Table are planning to evaluate the results. It’s like a school project—”Will they graduate, or are they in for summer school?”
What Basically Makes a Pharmacy, a Pharmacy?
You’d be shocked to know that the concept of a ‘service pharmacy’ isn’t just pulled from thin air. Believe it or not, it’s had a progressive backstory since 2011, when they began offering basic nursing services and self-service blood test kits. And, after the pandemic, pharmacies turned from humble pill-topplers into telemedicine titans overnight! Honestly, if they branch out into sunbathing assistance, I’m moving in!
According to the latest from Federfarma, over half of pharmacies are now offering ECGs and blood pressure checks. Heck, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a spirometry test! But let’s be real—only 8% offer that… I guess they don’t want us blowing hot air about our health.
Simplifying Health: A Bill in the Mix
Now, let’s throw in the simplification bill for good measure! This baby is aiming to compile all the glorious new services pharmacies could feasibly offer. Imagine walking into your local pharmacy and finding a healthcare lounge right next to the candy aisle! But hang on, it gets better; pharmacies can now operate separate premises for these services. I mean, why not? If you’re gonna serve up health, might as well do it in style!
But before we crown pharmacies the next best thing since sliced bread, there’s pushback. Some clinics and labs are calling foul and insisting that pharmacies need to adhere to the same rigorous standards they face. You’d think there’d be a universal handshake agreement on health checks, but it seems we can’t even get everyone on the same page for a simple ECG!
In summary, it looks like pharmacies are on a health crusade, ready to take on new roles. Just remember, as you adventure through these pharmacies of the future, they may be weighing your blood pressure today, but let’s hope they’re not giving out haircut deals tomorrow! Who knows what’s next?
So, raise a glass (or prescription bottle) to the pharmacies out there. Let’s hope they’re not only keeping our health in check but also keeping our laughter alive amidst all the serious stuff! Cheers to progress… and all the future experiments they may throw our way!
What are the key innovations in pharmacy services that have emerged as a result of the pandemic?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi: Expert on Healthcare Innovations**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Rossi! It’s great to have you here to discuss the evolving role of pharmacies in our healthcare system, especially post-pandemic. Your insights will help us understand this fascinating shift.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me! The transformation of pharmacies into health service hubs is definitely one of the more surprising developments in recent years.
**Editor:** Absolutely! The article highlights how pharmacies are now offering services like blood tests, electrocardiograms, and even telemedicine. What sparked this rapid change?
**Dr. Rossi:** The pandemic acted as a catalyst. With hospitals overwhelmed and healthcare delivery systems strained, pharmacies quickly adapted to meet the urgent health needs of the community. It was a remarkable shift from dispensing medications to providing essential health services.
**Editor:** And it sounds like this transformation is here to stay, with extensions set through 2025 and a budget of €25 million. How does this funding impact the future of pharmacy services?
**Dr. Rossi:** The investment is significant. It not only allows pharmacies to continue offering a variety of health services but also supports the evaluation of their impact. If the results are positive, it could lead to further integration of these services, potentially transforming the traditional healthcare landscape.
**Editor:** The article mentioned the history of service pharmacies dating back to 2011. How do you see the evolution from basic services to the telemedicine capabilities we’ve seen proliferate recently?
**Dr. Rossi:** Great question! Initially, pharmacies provided basic nursing services and self-service tests. The pandemic accelerated the need for remote monitoring and telemedicine, prompting pharmacies to leverage technology to deliver real-time healthcare solutions. This evolution aligns with trends in consumer demand for accessible healthcare options.
**Editor:** Speaking of access, the concept of pharmacies acting as mini healthcare hubs raises concerns about regulation and quality control. What are your thoughts on ensuring consistent safety standards across these newly introduced services?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s critical that this expansion of services adheres to rigorous clinical standards. As pharmacies evolve, they should work closely with healthcare regulators to ensure they meet the same standards as traditional health facilities. Patient safety must remain a priority.
**Editor:** The article paints a picture of a pharmacy revolution. Do you think patients are ready to embrace this new model, and what challenges might they face?
**Dr. Rossi:** Many patients are already comfortable with these changes because they appreciate the convenience and accessibility. However, challenges do exist—such as variations in service quality and public awareness of what’s available. Education will be key in helping patients navigate this evolving landscape and understand the full range of services they can access at their local pharmacy.
**Editor:** Dr. Rossi, your insights have been invaluable! As pharmacies continue to grow as healthcare providers, it will be interesting to watch how this landscape develops. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us today!
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you! I’m excited to see where this journey leads and how it will positively impact patient care in the future.
