AIFA Ascolta is the new project promoted by the Italian Medicines Agency, which establishes a listening point dedicated exclusively to patient associations, with the aim of enhancing pharmaceutical care. The Agency’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the initiative at its last meeting. 

“AIFA Ascolta is an opportunity for virtuous collaboration – says President Robert Nisticò. Thanks to this project, the Agency will be able to learn about and deepen particularly complex and sensitive issues for patients. On the other hand, the associations will be able to raise the Agency’s awareness on resolving issues that are particularly important to them, highlighting any critical points such as the shortage of medicines or the need to speed up authorisation processes. We care a lot about this project, which strengthens AIFA’s institutional role, but above all ensures that it is close to the needs of patients.”  

In line with the provisions of the 2025 Budget Law, implementing the participation of patient organisations in public health decision-making processes, AIFA Ascolta was created as a tool for fruitful sharing between the Agency, associations, groups of associations and patient federations, at a national, regional and local level, to encourage their involvement and promote constant and careful communication. Organisations will be able to share virtuous experiences and report issues of particular interest and criticality, while the Agency will have a new tool to systematically collect and analyse information on the most relevant and complex issues and act promptly. 

AIFA Ascolta is set up at the AIFA Office of the Chairperson. A subsequent Regulation will define the methods and criteria for carrying out the project, which will not entail additional costs. Participation is indeed free of charge. At the initiative of AIFA’s President, the applications deemed most relevant will be submitted to the Board of Directors or the Scientific and Economic Committee. By strengthening collaboration with patient associations, this new project mirrors AIFA Incontra, the direct and transparent channel of communication with companies and other stakeholders, which was implemented in 2023.