Marche region expands pharmacy healthcare services

The Marche regional government has approved a new integrative agreement with over 500 public and private contracted pharmacies to expand healthcare services. This agreement, the first of its kind in 20 years, aims to strengthen the ‘Pharmacy of Services’ model, particularly in small municipalities and internal areas to support the elderly and chronically ill.

A major highlight of the agreement is the simplification of colorectal cancer screening; patients will now be able to pick up and return screening kits directly at their local pharmacy. Additionally, the deal expands vaccination offerings to include HPV, herpes zoster, and pneumococcus, and reinforces telemedicine capabilities such as electrocardiograms, cardiac Holter monitoring, and spirometry.

The agreement also standardizes services like CUP reservations, payment for medical services, and the collection of medical reports. To support smaller providers, a solidarity fund has been established for pharmacies with a contracted turnover of less than 300,000 euros.