Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9872

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

Short R.
UK leads initiative to drive down cost of drugs in poor countries
BMJ 2007 Apr 28; 334:(7599):870
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7599/870-a

Abstract:

A new organisation is being set up to increase transparency in the regulation, procurement, distribution, and sales of drugs in developing countries. Its objective is to drive the cost of drugs down to levels that patients can afford.

The UK led initiative, called the Medicines Transparency Alliance, has just had its first stakeholder meeting and will be launched in the coming months. It will run pilot projects in up to nine countries. Its aim is to publish information on the amount, quality, and price of drugs in poor countries; to allow patients to see what they should pay and give them confidence in the quality and safety of the drugs; and to create a forum in each pilot country that will bring together patients, doctors, non-governmental organisations, and those involved in supplying drugs.

Hilary Benn, secretary of state for international development, said at the stakeholder meeting: “One third of the . . .