Will the reform of community pharmacies in Italy be of benefit to patients or the Italian National Health Service?

Abstract

In Italy, the government has recently approved reforms to promote competition by 'liberalizing' traditionally highly regulated markets, including pharmacies. The Italian strategy for liberalizing the pharmacy sector is evaluated and compared with current regulations in five main western EU countries. Based on this comparison, the reforms in Italy may not benefit patients or the Italian National Health Service. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]