Policy options for cost containment of Pharmaceuticals

摘要

In providing universal access to health care, a sound basis for the structural financing of national health care systems is of utmost importance. Cost containment can be seen as an ongoing series of attempts by governments to spend their limited financial resources as efficiently as possible.Essentially, there are three ways in which one can hope to control pharmaceutical expenditure:Controlling prices of medicines at various levels.Influencing demand by implementing financial measures, such as budgeting and reimbursement.Influencing demand by implementing professional measures.In this chapter, an overview is provided of the different options available. The key features, strengths and weaknesses of the various initiatives are discussed. In the subsequent chapters examples will be given of selected experiences with different approaches.