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This edition of Insights focuses on trends in the healthcare sector. It is not surprising that around the globe the same challenges pertain: ever increasing demands on shrinking public resources, combined with government attempts to streamline or liberalise services in order to wring more return on the public money spent – often with mixed results.
In the European Union (EU), deregulation in the pharmacy sector seems to be formally on the cards, but not without a fight, especially in the EU’s largest market, Germany. We look at the issues at stake.
The US Presidential elections are already centre stage with the primaries well under way. We look at the healthcare policies proposed by the candidates.
The UK, now led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, is looking at yet another healthcare reform. What will it mean and what will it deliver?
China is witnessing financial pressures also on its health system and is attempting to reform. As the health system comes under more scrutiny, so the role of pharmaceutical companies and their way of working with the health authorities is becoming more sensitive.
Meanwhile in Canada, a review of drug prices is leading to calls for the price of innovative medicines to be cut and a push towards using generics. At the same time, pricing of generics will also come under pressure as Canada’s regional healthcare authorities look at securing better prices.
All in all, the pressures on healthcare systems – and the pharmaceutical industry – to provide value for money are on the increase. It will be fascinating to observe who best succeeds in meeting the challenge.
Elaine Cruikshanks
Chairman Global Public Affairs
ecruiksh@hillandknowlton.com