Access to Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction This scoping review includes studies on pharmaceutical access, shortages, generics, availability, pharmacoeconomics, and pricing restrictions. The study’s findings may aid in developing excellent pharmaceutical and access policies in the country. Objective To conduct a scoping review documenting access to medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia. Methodology The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to perform a scoping review. The articles were screened using databases from Google Scholar, EBSCO, Science Direct, and the University of Huddersfield Library. The selection, aims, results, and conclusion of each original research publication published between 2010 and 2022 were evaluated. To categorize the articles, a theme analysis was done. Results This study includes nineteen publications. The chosen articles revealed four themes. Among these topics were: Access to medications 36.84% Pharmacoeconomic 36.84%), which were the predominant theme followed by Generic Medicines 15.80%, and Cancer drug financing 10.54%. There are myriad challenges related to high-cost medicines. Access restrictions to medications have significant effects on patient morbidity and mortality; as a result, policy decision-makers frequently consider this issue. Access to medicines suffers budgetary limitations and the increasing cost of innovative medicines. Access to medicines for all patients could be significantly impacted by delays in patient access to new therapies. Conclusion The available evidence revealed that Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system has numerous issues ranging from cancer drug financing, medicine shortages, and access issue. In order to achieve the highest health standards possible, it is crucial that each individual has access to medicines and has the financial, physical, and social means to do so. However, the price of some medications can be prohibitive for people who need to obtain them. The study’s outcomes could help the country develop pharmaceutical and access policies related to medicines.

Charting the Sustainable Course: Navigating the Saudi Arabia Medical and Wellness Tourism Roadmap with Business Model Canvas (BMC)

“…While these regulations are essential for safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system, they can pose challenges for medical tourists seeking specialized treatments or medications not readily available in their home countries. Foreign patients may encounter delays or difficulties in accessing certain pharmaceuticals due to the stringent approval processes required for their importation and use within Saudi Arabia [31]. As a result, healthcare providers and facilities catering to medical tourists must navigate complex regulatory requirements to ensure compliance while striving to meet the diverse healthcare needs of their international clientele [32].…”

Potential Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Managing Polypharmacy in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review

“…For example, it is a tool that healthcare professionals can use to improve patient outcomes in managing medical conditions [27]. In Saudi Arabia, as in other countries, healthcare professionals are dedicated to optimising medication regimens and reducing the unnecessary use of drugs [28]. AI can contribute to addressing the problem of polypharmacy by providing decision support tools to aid healthcare professionals in these efforts.…”

“…AI can contribute to addressing the problem of polypharmacy by providing decision support tools to aid healthcare professionals in these efforts. Managing medications, monitoring patient progress and providing education are all demanding for healthcare professionals, and AI can help to reduce this burden [28,29].…”