Objective(s): The "Drug Subsidy" plan, implemented by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education on July 23, 2022, represents a major reform in pharmaceutical policy in Iran. Given the significance of this national initiative for organizing and improving the country’s pharmaceutical system, understanding the emerging implementation issues and challenges is crucial for achieving its intended goals. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the challenges in implementing this plan at Tehran University of Medical Sciences from the stakeholders’ perspective and to offer solutions.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 managers, key informants from Food and Drug and Treatment deputies, health insurance experts, doctors, pharmacists, and technical managers of pharmacies at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis assisted with MAXQDA software (version 2020).
Results: The challenges and solutions were categorized into three main areas: Financing (e.g., the limited allocation to the subsidy plan in the national budget bill), implementation (e.g., delays in the clearance of pharmaceutical raw materials due to increased value-added tax), and monitoring and supervision (e.g., the costs associated with monitoring and evaluation).
Conclusion: Although the Drug Subsidy plan marks a pivotal step in reforming currency policies, attaining its objectives requires overcoming existing hurdles. Based on the conducted assessment, securing sustainable and earmarked financial resources, streamlining executive and customs procedures, and strengthening infrastructure and supervisory mechanisms appear essential for the program's improvement and ultimate success.