GSK Commercial Manager for East Africa region Patrick Abelle, gestures as he speaks to the press yesterday in Dar es Salaam. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, has announced reduction by 50 per cent the cost of its essential drugs within the developing countries across the world including Tanzania.
LEADING pharmaceutical manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline announced in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that it will reduce the prices of essential drugs by as much as 50 per cent as part of its strategy to improve patient access to medicines.
The move is part of a global plan by the pharmaceutical giant to reduce the cost of medicines, a key factor influencing access to quality healthcare. This will see the prices of essential drugs manufactured and sold by GSK in developing countries fall to as little as 25 per cent of prices prevailing in the developed countries.
According to GSK East Africa Managing Director, Mr. John Musunga, GSK was shifting its focus from a high margin, low volume drive to a lower margin, high volume business model.
“The high prices of medicines have been a key barrier to our business growth. We have realized that there’s a strong desire among prescribers of medicines to assist quality products but the price was a major barrier,” said Mr. Musunga.
In addition, he cited the high cost of drugs as a factor causing proliferation of counterfeit medicines. Such medicines pose a major health risk to Patients who use them without knowing their dangers and harmful effects
Reducing prices of antibiotics and dewormers will enable deprived households afford quality medication within their meagre budgets.
“Our pricing had made our products out of the reach of the majority. What we are now saying is that as a business and responsible citizen, we cannot afford to focus only on the high income social groups. Market access and pricing will be a key plank in our strategy in 2011,” Mr. Musunga explained.
He however clarified that the product quality for which GSK was well known would be maintained. “Our products will retain the highest quality standards but become more affordable to the entire spectrum of patients.”
Besides lowering prices, GSK is also actively engaging industry players such as pharmacists and doctors who are involved in prescribing drugs to patients. “By reducing our prices, we want to encourage our partners to pass on the benefit to the patients,” said Mr Musunga.
He further expressed confidence that the lower prices would significantly boost access to quality healthcare adding that the initial response to previous price reductions was very positive.
Tuwe makini lakini, zisije kuwa banned nchi za magharibi tukaletewa Africa. Haiwezekani mzungu apunguze bei za dawa hivi hivi, iko kitu.
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