Study finds that comorbidities in elderly patients lead to higher drug expenses

A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research highlighted the factors contributing to increased medication expenses for elderly patients. The study, titled ‘Pharmacoeconomics of medicines used for geriatric individuals in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi,’ emphasized the need for a specific drug policy for the elderly population. Conducted at Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi, the study analyzed data from 1,000 geriatric inpatients aged 60 years and above.

The research found that comorbidities, prolonged hospitalization, inappropriate medications, polypharmacy, and parenteral medications prescribed were key contributors to the rising costs of drugs for elderly patients. Of the 8,366 medicines prescribed in 127 formulations, the total expenditure amounted to Rs 1,087,175, with parenteral medicines accounting for 91% of the expenses. The study also noted that individuals with comorbidities and longer hospital stays had significantly higher per capita medication expenses.

Furthermore, the study revealed that 28.1% of the prescriptions were inappropriate, leading to adverse drug reactions in 13.9% of inpatients. The researchers recommended the formulation of a drug policy tailored specifically for geriatric individuals, rational prescribing practices, and monitoring drug use and adverse reactions. With India’s geriatric population projected to increase significantly by 2050, addressing the healthcare needs and medication costs for the elderly is becoming increasingly critical.

The National Health Policy 2017 acknowledges the healthcare requirements of the rural geriatric population and highlights the importance of primary healthcare services that include geriatric care. Various social insurance schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, have been implemented to provide financial assistance for healthcare expenses. The researchers emphasized the necessity of a multifaceted approach to address the healthcare and medication needs of geriatric patients and called for the integration of geriatric pharmacotherapy into healthcare policies and practices.