National medicines data repository

The development of a national medicines data repository has started in Finland. The aim is to compile data on human and veterinary medicinal products, as well as reimbursable basic ointments, and clinical nutritional preparations, in a single location, making these easier to find and utilize than previously.

Data on medicinal products is currently scattered across various resources. A national data repository will improve access to high-quality data that meets user needs. This data can serve social welfare and healthcare services, pharmacotherapy and pharmaceutical logistics, and support steering, supervision, preparedness, and knowledge management. Citizens will have access to essential information about medicinal products through a shared web service provided by authorities.

Access to high-quality, reusable data

In its first phase, the medicines data repository will compile data related to the tasks and services of various authorities concerning medicinal products and the pharmaceutical market. The repository will offer consolidated data for utilization in different ways:

directly through user interface and system services
indirectly, when used for example in pharmacy information systems, electronic health records, ERPs, decision-supports, pharmaceutical information services, or other applications and technologies.

The medicines data repository will have multiple benefits. It will:

Improve data access and reusability
Reduce manual effort in the management of medicines data
Enable development of new solutions and operational changes in pharmaceutical and healthcare services
Promote the rational use of medicines
Facilitate monitoring of medication use, outcomes, and costs
Enable knowledge-based management, steering, price negotiations, and procurement
Enhance the organization of pharmaceutical services and availability of medicines
Provide a national primary data source for veterinary medicines

Medicines data repository being developed collaboratively

The Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) is coordinating the development of the repository and implementing it in collaboration with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela), the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), and the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board (Hila). The repository's development is part of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's (STM) project (Lääkkeet ja apteekkitalous -hanke), and its implementation is outlined in the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government.