Pharmaceutical pricing policy in Saudi Arabia: findings and implications

Introduction: Many countries have introduced policies and strategies to limit pharmaceutical expenditures. These include pharmaceutical pricing policies and related strategies to control medicine prices and to ensure appropriate and stable prices. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current pharmaceutical pricing policy for medicines in Saudi Arabia and to provide […]


40th anniversary of essential medicines: a loud call for improving its access

Author byline as per print journal: Mohammad Bashaar, PhD; Professor Mohamed Azmi Hassali, PhD; Fahad Saleem, PhD Abstract: The soaring costs of medicine are a global dilemma. It was hoped that the concept of essential medicines would help countries and policymakers contain the climbing costs of medicine over the last 40 years. This concept was conceived to […]


Understanding the components of pharmaceutical expenditure—overview of pharmaceutical policies influencing expenditure across European countries

Aim: To explain the components of pharmaceutical expenditure and illustrate the strengths and limitations of this indicator. In particular, we explore policies applied in European countries that affect the price and volume of medicines. Methodology: This paper is based on a presentation held at the European Drug Utilization Research Group (EuroDURG)/International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) […]


The potential of generics policies: more room for exploitation–PPRI Conference Report

Author byline as per print journal: Sabine Vogler, PhD; Nina Zimmermann, MA Introduction: This Conference Report aims to provide an overview of key results, messages and conclusions of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) Conference with regard to generics. Methods: The PPRI Conference, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, […]