Pharmaceutical policy in Jordan

Abstract

For many patients, it is essential to have consistent and regular access to treatment to prevent complications and premature death. In light of this, every country aims to improve availability, affordability and utilisation of essential medicines through the endorsement of good governance and management practices in the pharmaceutical sector. Like other countries, Jordan aims seriously to ensure an uninterrupted availability of essential medicines. This is of particular significance recently after increased stress on the Jordanian pharmaceutical sector as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis. In addition, Jordan has also upgraded its legislation, to govern the conduct of pharmaceutical market, prohibit common forms of misconduct and protect the rights of all parties involved in the pharmaceutical industry. This chapter, thus, explores the main challenges that the pharmaceutical sector may face in the future in Jordan and discusses the current pharmaceutical pricing policy and whether it provides adequate protection to Jordanian patients. Furthermore, this chapter briefly explores the supply and distribution of essential medicines in Jordan and addresses what changes could be made to legislation to ensure the trust and the predictability needed by the relevant parties involved in the pharmaceutical industry in Jordan.