The dynamics of over-the-counter drugs (MISYFA) and to what extent they can contribute to saving resources for the health system was analyzed yesterday by the General Medicines Association (EFEX), on the occasion of World Self-Care Day, which is celebrated on July 24th.
According to EFEX President Grigoris Karelos, the total turnover of the OTC sector in the period from April 2023 to March 2024 in pharmacies amounted to 1.2 billion euros, 70% of which was related to MYSIFA. According to a study by the European Self-Care Association AESGP, for every 1 euro spent, a total of 6.7 euros is secured in the healthcare system.
The sector, as explained by Mr. Karelos, is characterized by a high rate of innovation, as 1,255 new self-care products have been launched on the Greek market in the last three years alone. The possibility of expanding the list of MISIFAs with 55 active substances from the list of prescription drugs will bring 567.6 million euros to the system.
Savings on pharmaceutical expenses
In particular, savings of around €230-240 million are estimated in pharmaceutical costs and the same amount in citizens’ expenses for medical consultations, etc. If we consider that climate change will burden healthcare systems with €2-3 billion in additional costs per year, we understand the need for self-care. It is estimated that our country has around 100 active substances on the MSYFA list, while England has at least 160.
Furthermore, as Mr Karelos pointed out, given that more than 1 million Greeks use self-care products every day, while almost 500,000 people visit pharmacies every day to buy the products, the benefits of self-care for minor illnesses are significant. Each citizen would need to spend 106 minutes on transport, waiting and seeing a doctor if there were no self-care products, and each doctor would have to work an additional 2.4 hours per day.