oa South African Health Review - Drug pricing : chapter 9

Abstract

Improving access to necessary drugs requires attention to all four component parts of the access equation - ensuring rational selection, providing sustainable financing and efficient systems to distribute and use the drugs but also making sure that prices are affordable. However, comparing drugs prices across countries and health systems is not always easy. Methodological pitfalls abound, and have in the past ensnared the South African Ministry of Health. The National Drug Policy contains a variety of proposed strategies to reduce the price of medicines in South Africa. This chapter considers the complex issue of drug pricing, the policy options outlined and available, and provides recommendations on steps that will advance the implementation of such policies.