Availability of essential NCD medicines and basic technologies (Indicator 19)
Updated
The indicator describes the following: Availability of essential NCD medicines, including basic technologies in both public and private facilities.
This indicator is part of Target (9): Essential medicines and basic technologies for the treatment of serious NCDs.
The following medicines and types of medication are considered to be NCD medicines: Acetylsalicylic acid; ACE inhibitors; thiazides; long-acting calcium channel blockers; metformin; insulin; bronchodilators; steroid inhalants.
The following equipment are considered NCD technologies: Blood pressure measurement device; a weighing scale; blood sugar and blood cholesterol measurement devices; urine strips for albumin assay.
Results
In general, access to NCD medicinal products in Norway is good and there are replaceable alternatives for all the NCD medicines mentioned above.
According to the shortage catalogue published on The Norwegian Medical Products Agency's (NOMA) web page, there have been no significant shortages of the medicines stated above.
When there has been a lack of these medicines, corresponding or alternative medicines have been available (generics, other strengths/ pack sizes, import from other countries, medicines in the same ATC group).
The medicines and medication types acetylsalicylic acid; ACE inhibitors; thiazides; insulin; bronchodilators and steroid inhalants are included in extended stockpiles at wholesalers supplying medicines to pharmacies in Norway (3-6 months consumption).
Data source: The Norwegian Medical Products Agency's (NOMA) shortage review
The data source for this indicator is The Norwegian Medical Products Agency (NOMA) shortage review (dmp.no)
Effect measure
- Availability of NCD medicines and technologies
Global indicator definition
Indicator 19. Availability and affordability of quality, safe and efficacious essential NCD medicines, including generics, and basic technologies in both public and private facilities.