Comprehensive assessment of pharmaceutical policies and strategies in the Republic of Moldova

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is taking relevant steps to harmonize its national legislation with the principles and standards of European Union legislation in the pharmaceutical sector. WHO has supported the process technically and provided expertise during 2016 at the request of the Ministry of Health.

An expert visit to assess pharmaceutical policies and strategies took place in the Republic of Moldova on 12–15 December 2016. The aim was to collect the latest information about the process of selection, procurement, distribution and use of medicines in the country. This would be used to plan technical support to streamlining the process of managing the supply of medicines and to provide guidance on strategies to ensure availability of medicines of best quality at the lowest possible price, based on the needs and locations of the population.

The assessment also focused on pricing policies and the approaches used to register medicine prices available on the market. Reimbursement of medicines in the outpatient sector was also discussed, and the role of the National Health Insurance Company in the selection process was debated with stakeholders.

The assessment set up a potential framework for strategic advice and guidance to health authorities for implementing policies and strategies to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector in 2017. It was arranged under the guidance of the Health Technologies Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and was conducted by a highly experienced consultant in pharmaceutical systems within the European Region and globally.

WHO’s support for this activity is part of the biennial collaborative agreement 2016–2017 between the Moldovan Ministry of Health and WHO/Europe. The initiative is financially supported by WHO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.