Price of medicines in a small market country: a comparative approach

Abstract

Objectives Affordability and availability of medicinal products depend on governmental policies, healthcare budgets and pricing. Pharmaceutical price regulation can improve the accessibility and affordability of essential medicinal products. In Europe, medicinal product prices are assigned individually by each country.The study aimed to compare prices of medicinal products indicated for cardiovascular (n = 18) and respiratory disease (n = 9) available for retail in community pharmacies in five European countries. Methods Unit dose medicinal product prices in North Macedonia, Malta, Slovenia, Greece and the UK were compared. Key findings Malta had the highest unit dose prices for the majority (n = 11) of medicinal products used for cardiovascular disease and the majority (n = 8) of the medicinal products indicated for respiratory disease. Conclusion Variation in prices of commonly dispensed medicinal products exists. Having a more thorough knowledge about the prices of medicines in different countries can contribute to making policies that will ultimately make medicines more affordable and accessible to patients.