Open AccessOver-the-Counter Medicine Utilization by Beneficiaries Under Medical Schemes in South Africa
Author(s) -
Neelaveni Padayachee,
Alan D. Rothberg,
Neil Butkow,
Ilse Truter
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
drug, healthcare and patient safety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 1179-1365
DOI - 10.2147/dhps.s236139
Subject(s) - medical prescription , medicine , beneficiary , pharmaceutical benefits scheme , family medicine , legislation , pharmacist , payment , pharmacy , health care , population , medical record , access to medicines , environmental health , business , finance , public health , nursing , economic growth , political science , economics , law
South African medical insurance schemes (known as medical schemes) cover about 17% of the population. Within these schemes, access to medicines for a defined set of chronic diseases is mandated by legislation. However, much of the responsibility for treatment of minor conditions with non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has been transferred to the individuals within the medical schemes. The overall expenditure on pharmacist-assisted therapy (PAT)/OTC medicines in South Africa is considerable and medical schemes endeavor to limit amounts paid out by devising strategies that will limit their financial exposure.