E-DRUG: Compilation of sources of medicine price information (8)
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Dear Bonnie
Of the 70 or so medicine price and availability surveys conducted using
the WHO/HAI methodology, the majority have been conducted by Ministries
of Health. It has been very encouraging that all but one or two
Ministries have willingly given permission for the findings to be
published on our website. So you are right when you say a number of
countries have made great strides in 'opening up' on this issue.
Evidence and transparency are important initial steps, but what is also
needed is the will to act. Many Ministries have held national workshops
to disseminate and discuss the survey findings. What is heartening is
the growing number of governments that have taken the next vitally
important step - developing policies to improve medicine affordability
and availability.
It was interesting to learn that Pacific Island countries have an email
discussion forum to share information, including sources and prices of
medicines. We would encourage establishing similar fora in other regions
to share information and experiences.
Best regards
Marg Ewen
Coordinator, Global Projects (Pricing)
HAI Global
Overtoom 60/III
1054 HK Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 489 1846 (direct), +31 20 683 3684 (office)
Fax: +31 20685 5002
Email: marg@haiweb.org
Web site: http://www.haiweb.org