Study visit hosted by AIFA

From 17 to 19 September, AIFA hosted a study visit within the framework of the JA CHESSMEN Joint Action.

The visit brought together representatives from nine European Regulatory Agencies and provided participants with in-depth knowledge of AIFA’s organization and the Italian regulation on medicine shortages. The participants were introduced to the Italian National Health System, the role of the Regional Authorities, and the Italian pharmaceutical market from the perspective of industry associations.

The study visit then focused on shortage management and respective monitoring activities, including communication, sanctions, quality defects, importing of foreign medicines, export bans, and other measures.  

AIFA shared these concepts through practical cases, which allowed the participants to identify common challenges across EU countries, discover and discuss several perspectives to address them.

The warm welcome of AIFA’s colleagues and their readiness to explain their procedure should be considered as an example of importance of sharing experience and knowledge between Agencies.