Medicine Prices and Availability in Sri Lanka
Author Information
Author(s): Senarathna S.M.D.K., Ganga Mannapperuma Uthpali, Fernandopulle B.M. Rohini
Primary Institution: University of Sri Jayawardenapura, University of Colombo
Hypothesis
What are the prices, availability, and affordability of medicines in the private sector of Sri Lanka in the absence of a price control?
Conclusion
In Sri Lanka, generic medicines have effective pricing and are available and affordable, while innovator medicines are not affordable.
Supporting Evidence
- Innovator medicines were found to be five to six times the international reference price in privately owned pharmacies.
- Generic medicines were always less than one day's wage for the lowest-paid government worker.
- Availability of the cheapest generics was over 80% throughout the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much medicines cost and how easy they are to find in Sri Lanka. It found that generic medicines are cheap and available, but brand-name medicines are too expensive for many people.
Methodology
The study used the WHO/HAI methodology and was conducted in 15 retail pharmacies over three years (2003, 2006, 2009).
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific geographical area and may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on pharmacies in Sri Lanka, including both privately owned and semigovernment pharmacies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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