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PharmaSwap: a pioneering healthcare initiative reducing medication waste and promoting sustainability

European Statement

Selection, Procurement and Distribution

Author(s)

Piter Oosterhof, Jelmer Hein Faber, Lieke van Kerkhoven, Rob Haenen

Why was it done?

PharmaSwap is a response to the significant issue of medication waste in the healthcare sector. The problem of medication waste was well-documented, with scientific research indicating that annually, a minimum of €100 million worth of prescribed medications was being discarded in the Netherlands. These medications were being wasted when they reached their expiration dates, resulting in both financial losses and environmental pollution. PharmaSwap was introduced to tackle the problem of medication waste by creating an online platform that enables pharmacists and pharmaceutical wholesalers to list and sell medications with approaching expiration dates at discounted rates. Our initiative sought to improve the situation by not only reducing the financial losses associated with medication waste but also by addressing the environmental concerns linked to the disposal of medications. By promoting the reuse of medications and encouraging a shift toward sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector, PharmaSwap aimed to make a positive impact on healthcare and the environment.

What was done?

The initiative that has been developed and implemented is https://www.PharmaSwap.com. PharmaSwap is an online marketplace established in 2018 by pharmacists Piter Oosterhof and Jelmer Faber. This platform facilitates the exchange and sale of medications among (hospital) pharmacies and pharmaceutical wholesalers that are nearing their expiration dates at discounted rates.

How was it done?

The introduction of PharmaSwap faced several obstacles:

1) Regulatory barriers: initially, regulations didn’t allow medication redistribution. We collaborated with regulatory bodies to find a legal solution.
2) Legal adjustments: we worked with authorities to amend regulations, creating a legal framework for PharmaSwap.
3) Building trust: gaining trust from pharmacists and wholesalers required transparent communication and showcasing benefits.
4) Technical development: developing the platform required the right tech partners and resources.
5) Awareness and adoption: we conducted awareness campaigns and partnered with (inter)national associations to promote PharmaSwap.

Through these efforts, we successfully overcame obstacles and implemented PharmaSwap, reducing medication waste and promoting sustainability.

What has been achieved?

1) Medication waste reduction: PharmaSwap has significantly reduced medication waste, preventing the disposal of medications, while pioneering a unique and innovative approach.
2) Environmental impact: PharmaSwap has saved 9,719 packaging units, leading to a substantial reduction in environmental pollution from medication disposal.
3) Cost Savings: healthcare systems have saved €1,165,115 by recovering the value of otherwise discarded medications.
4) Network growth: PharmaSwap connects 836 out of 2,000 Dutch pharmacies and collaborates with 8 pharmaceutical wholesalers, including one partner compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP).

These outcomes highlight PharmaSwap’s impactful contributions to waste reduction, cost savings, and sustainability in healthcare, supported by its expanding network of participants.

What next?

PharmaSwap’s success in reducing medication waste, saving costs, and promoting sustainability makes it a compelling example of good practice in healthcare. Its transferability to other healthcare settings involves replication, regulatory adaptation, education, partnerships, technology integration, data management, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Moreover, we are currently in advanced meetings with several other European countries, exploring the potential for international expansion and collaboration to further extend the positive impact of PharmaSwap.

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