Regulation of Pharmaceutical Activity in Italy

Abstract

The provisions of various Italian regulations dealing with pharmaceutical activity, that is, the establishment and work of pharmacies on the territory of the Republic of Italy, have been presented in this article. Italy has established the basis of health protection system, including pharmaceutical activity, back in 1930s, and started with comprehensive regulation of that system in 1960s. However, in order to harmonise it with the EU standards, it amended existing provisions, as well as passed new regulations. The differences between old and new provisions were presented herein. The article also includes the review of the competencies and duties of pharmacists’ associations (i.e. how Italian pharmacists protect their professional interests in the country through those associations), as well as several important issues regarding the production and trade of pharmaceuticals. Taking into account that countries around Serbia regulated this feld in the similar manner, this article could be a decent guideline for our legislator while preparing regulations on pharmacies in Serbia.