Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7637

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Frank RG.
Perspective - Government commitment and regulation of prescription drugs
Health Affairs 2003; 22:(3):46-48

Abstract:

Two papers in this volume review efforts worldwide to control the growth of drug spending and discuss the potential role for the U.S. government with respect to rationing of prescription drugs. I put the roles given to government in the two papers in context by focusing on the role of government as a partner with the pharmaceutical industry. I concentrate on the unique features of the prescription drug market, coupled with the fact that government is a payer, regulator, and provider in the health sector. I conclude that the federal government should exercise caution when attempting to regulate prescription drug prices.