Drug Expenditures of a Tertiary Hospital in Turkey: Before and After

Abstract

Aim: The budget allocated to health is increasing every year. Pharmaco-economic research focuses on the costs and benefits of drug therapy. All conditions affecting costs should be evaluated; minimum cost and maximum effect must be targeted. In this study we aim to analyze the effects of the opening of a new tertiary health center on the costs of treatment and patient referral. Material and Method: The changes in drug costs and the number of patients in the emergency departments, pediatric clinics, pediatric intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, delivery rooms, wards for risky pregnancies, and the septic services of a new tertiary referral hospital in Adiyaman city were compared with those of its former secondary referral hospital. The data gained from the databases of the secondary referral hospital and the tertiary referral hospital was obtained in April of 2012 and April of 2013, respectively. The data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The total number of patients who were managed as outpatients or hospitalized in April 2012 and April 2013 was 10,838 and 11,066, respectively. The total cost of the drugs was 51,515 TL (approximately 25,000 USD) for April 2012 and 75,552 TL (approximately 37,000 USD) for April 2013. The number of patients referred to other tertiary referral hospitals in April 2012 and April 2013 was 132 and 91, respectively (p<0.004). Discussion: Through the opening of a tertiary care center in Adiyaman city, the drug costs increased but the total number of referrals to other tertiary hospitals decreased; therefore the total costs were reduced.