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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Policy approaches to improve availability and affordability of medicines in Mexico – an example of a middle income country

Authors: Daniela Moye-Holz, Jitse P van Dijk, Sijmen A. Reijneveld, Hans V. Hogerzeil

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization recommends establishing and implementing a national pharmaceutical policy (NPP) to guarantee effective and equitable access to medicines. Mexico has implemented several policy approaches to regulate the pharmaceutical sector, but it has no formal NPP. This article describes the approach that the Mexican government has taken to improve availability and affordability of essential medicines.

Methods

Descriptive policy analysis of public pharmaceutical policy proposals and health action plans on the basis of publicly available data and health progress reports, with a focus on availability and affordability of medicines.

Results

The government has implemented pooled procurement, price negotiations, and an information platform in the public sector to improve affordability and availability. The government mainly reports on the savings that these strategies have generated in the public expenditure but their full impact on availability and affordability has not been assessed.

Conclusions

To increase availability and affordability of medicines in the public sector, the Mexican government has resorted on isolated strategies. In addition to efficient procurement, price negotiations and price information, other policy components and pricing interventions are needed. All these strategies should be included in a comprehensive NPP.
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Metadata
Title
Policy approaches to improve availability and affordability of medicines in Mexico – an example of a middle income country
Authors
Daniela Moye-Holz
Jitse P van Dijk
Sijmen A. Reijneveld
Hans V. Hogerzeil
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-017-0281-1

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