Table 3 Regional disparities in pharmaceutical access and expenditure: key drivers
Macro Area | Average Income (€) | OOP Pharmaceutical procapita Spending (€) | AIFA Notes Exceeding National Average (Coverage Data) | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Regions | 30,000 | 13,7 | 1, 1/48, 28, 36, 48, 51, 74, 75, 82, 85, 90, 92, 93, 97,99, 100 | Higher income, lower OOP spending. Presumed greater general AIFA Note utilization contributes to lower OOP costs, but cultural differences play a role in brand-name preferences. |
Central Regions | 25,000 | 20,3 | 39, 42, 65 | Moderate income, moderate OOP spending. Mixed adherence to AIFA Notes contributes to intermediate OOP costs. Reimbursement criteria have an impact, cultural differencs may play a small role |
Southern Regions | 18,000 | 23,9 | 2, 8, 13, 15, 31, 55, 56, 66, 79, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89, 91, 95, 96 | Lower income, higher OOP spending. Inappropriate or less restrictive use of certain AIFA Notes, contributes to high OOP costs, coupled with cultural preferences for brand-name drugs and potential information gaps. |