E-DRUG: The frustration of high medicine prices
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[Permission for posting of the articles on e-drug has been provided by
the World Editor at Scrip: Elizabeth Sukkar]
The pharmaceutical industry news service, Scrip
(http://www.scripnews.com) has recently published an editorial and two
articles reiterating the "ongoing concerns about the high price of
medicines in developing countries". Their interest emanated from the
special issue of the Southern Medical Review: Pricing, Access & Generics
- information about which was posted on e-drug on 26 Aug
2009 (http://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sop/smr/).
These are the links � they are only available in full with subscription but there is a one week free subscription available.
[Don't forget to 'repair' the links - they are long - Moderator]
The two surveys reported and the other surveys carried out using the
WHO/HAI methodology confirm that substantial opportunities exist to
increase availability, lower prices, and improve affordability of
medicines in all regions and at all levels of economic development. To
this end, the WHO/HAI Medicine Prices Project is currently developing
guidance for countries on policies and other strategies and
interventions to improve the availability and affordability of
medicines.
Regards, Martin