The Impact of government policies on the price of pharmaceuticals: an international study of 30 countries

Purpose: To determine the effect of Government pricing policies and health care structure on the price of pharmaceuticals. The development of pharmaceutical pricing policy has often been ad hoc and the literature is ambiguous on their overall effect. Originality: No study has (i) examined the impact of the comprehensive range Government policies on the prices paid for medicines across heterogeneous range of health care systems; (ii) examined the relationship between health care policies and the level of change in the price of pharmaceutical out of pocket expenses. Key literature / theoretical perspective: International pharmaceutical pricing and policy literature will be used. This thesis is predominantly applied rather than theoretical. Standard economic theory will be used where necessary. Design/methodology/approach: The thesis will involve construction of price indices for approximately 30 countries and the profiling of policies and health care structure for these countries. A series of models will be constructed and multiple regression analysis used to determine the relationship between policy/structure and price. Findings: Are yet to be determined. Research limitations/implications: Allow better understanding of the determinants of pharmaceutical prices and how Government policies can influence these. Practical and Social implications: Improved policy outcomes in an area of substantial health spending.