The Minister Knows What Is Happening with Drug Prices 0 8

Despite the fact that prices for prescription medications in Latvia have been reduced, large companies, pharmacies, and manufacturers dictate their terms, said Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri on the TV24 program, but noted that "we are not the most expensive country in Europe and in a few years we will also have expensive medications available at much lower prices."

According to the minister, for example, the price of prescription medications that cost up to 10 euros has been reduced by 10%, while for medications over 10 euros, the price reduction is now 15-20%. The minister also noted that in the future, the 75-cent fee for pharmacists on prescription medications in the price category up to 10 euros is planned to be abolished. When asked about the fact that many residents do not feel the price reductions in pharmacies when purchasing medications and believe that pharmacies create a monopoly, the minister replied that prices depend not only on pharmacies but also on large wholesalers and manufacturers who shape the pricing policy.

Evaluating medication prices in Europe and comparing them with prices in Latvia, the head of the Ministry of Health stated that Latvia is not the most expensive country. "We have a zone: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Poland - prices are lower there. But when it comes to France and Germany, medications are much more expensive. Starting in 2029, a common package will be introduced so that small countries can collectively purchase, for example, medications for rare diseases or oncology, which are very expensive, at a cheaper, acceptable price," the minister promised.