Public discussions on pharmaceutical activity legislation

Experts in pharmacy and legislation related to pharmaceutical activity met at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy at a round table titled “Development of the legislative framework regarding pharmaceutical activity - problems and solutions". The event was organized by Vasile Procopisin Social Pharmacy Chair within the project "Harmonization of national pharmacy legislation with international best practices", implemented by the Center for Health Policies and Analyzes with the financial support of the Soros-Moldova Foundation, Department of Public Health.

The rector of Nicolae Testemitanu University, professor Emil Ceban, also participated in the opening of the event and emphasized the importance of developing the legal framework in the field of pharmaceuticals, the representatives of this field being important actors of the health system, civil society and international bodies, as the debates on the legislative framework could essentially contribute to its improvement, for the benefit of society. The rector has emphasized that communication and broad dialogue are an important component that ensures success.

Svetlana Nicolaescu, secretary of state at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, noted the relevance of the event for the field of public health and pharmaceuticals, but also for the entire society. "After obtaining the status of an EU candidate country, European integration is a national priority. Recently, the European Moldova 20-30 National Development Strategy was approved, where the pharmaceutical field, as part of the health sector strategy, is highlighted as one of the priority objectives", the official pointed out. In the same context, she mentioned that in the Action Plan of the Government and the MoH it is established to adjust the normative framework in this field pursuant to the highest standards, as required by the regional context and in order to identify the problems existing in the system.

Associate professor Stela Adauji, head of Vasile Procopisin Department of Social Pharmacy, stressed that the problem of the legislative framework regarding pharmaceutical activity had persisted since the country's independence was proclaimed, and continuous improvement and development is necessary. "We proposed to discuss certain aspects, considerations that need to be approved and implemented. We count on the support of the Ministry of Health in promoting the legislative framework in the field of pharmaceutical assistance, in order for it to become functional and applicable", said Stela Adauji.

Liliana Gherman, director of the Public Health Program, Soros Foundation Moldova, has stated that the purpose of the event is to address problems in the pharmaceutical field, but also to identify some solutions: "At the time of drafting the Law on Medicines, the need to revise the Pharmaceutical Activity Law appeared, so that these draft documents meet the needs of citizens, as the primary goal is to ensure access to medicines. In order to review and strengthen the fields of pharmaceutical activity, discussions were organized with representatives of the Ministry, the Drug Agency and Nicolae Testemitanu University in order to efficiently coordinate the efforts of all the actors involved. WHO provides consistent support to MoH, at the same time the number of important topics is impressive, that is why we are trying to support this effort.

The round table was organized according to the Order of the Ministry of Health with the aim to continuously improve the quality of medical and pharmaceutical services, as well as to enhance the professional development of doctors and pharmacists.