Pharmaceuticals may constitute as much as 40% of the health care budget in low and middle-income countries, yet large portions of the population may lack access to even the most essential medicines. The limited public sector funds are frequently spent on ineffective or unnecessary medications. An analysis of past spending patterns on procurement of medicines will help the Ministry of Health policymakers and key government stakeholders in Ukraine for decisions on adopting the national Essential Medicines List (EML) in practice.
The purpose of this technical brief is twofold:
- To demonstrate the need to rationalize limited public funds for maximum health impact.
- To emphasize the need for proper selection of medicines based on WHO recommendations and the rationale for an EML as the sole basis for public sector procurement in Ukraine.
After summarizing high-level data analysis, this technical brief also takes a close look at insulins and analogues that account for the most expenditure.
[hr]This [report] is extremely useful. We need to use this information for the purpose of reforming the procurement system as well. The EML has become even more necessary now.”
– Dr. Ihor Perehinets, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine
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