A number of independent pharmacies have welcomed the review of the National Drug Formulary, while the Health Council CEO emphasises the complexity of pricing
The pharmaceutical market is too fluid to accommodate price controls.
This is the diagnosis from some independent pharmacies and a wholesaler, who cite the Health Council’s recent delay to Phase II of the National Drug Formulary as evidence.
In a press release (BELOW), the six pharmacies and wholesaler also reiterate their opposition to Allshores restricting coverage of certain drugs to Phoenix Pharmacies, and welcome the Council’s review of the matter.
They say the best path to lowering medicine costs is a fair and level playing field, not price controls or market consolidation.
Through the National Drug Formulary, the Health Council can regulate the price at which drugs are sold to consumers, with the stated intention of increasing affordability.
Phase I was implemented in December, and Phase II was supposed to start on March 1st.
However, Health Council CEO Dr Ricky Brathwaite says feedback regarding importation and supply has led to a rethink.
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