Per Pill Price Differences in Bangladesh | Chapter 08 | Emerging Issues and Development in Economics and Trade Vol. 3
The objective of this study was to
comprehend the pricing differentiation of essential drugs between the local
pharmaceutical companies (LPC) and multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNC)
of Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) essential drug prices were collected from a
local drug directory, namely Bangladesh National Formulary 2006. The mean and
standard deviation of the prices of drugs belonging to all therapeutics
categories (Anti-infective drugs, Central nervous system, Respiratory system,
cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, Endocrine system drugs,
Vitamin, drugs for Skin and Analgesic/painkillers) were analyzed. Managers of
two multinational companies (MNCs) named GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Limited
Bangladesh and Sanafi Aventis Bangladesh; and three local pharmaceutical
companies (LPCs) named Square Pharmaceuticals Limited, Beximco Pharmaceuticals
Limited and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited were interviewed after data
analysis. A wide range of price variations (p < 0.01) between MNC and LPC
essential drug products exist. Antibiotics have higher prices than drug
products belonging to other therapeutic groups. Since infectious diseases are
the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh, the government should
consider bearing part of the burden of antibiotic manufacturing costs and
deliver antibiotics to the market at reduced price promoting rational
prescribing. Further studies are needed to delve the causes of anti-infectives
high prices and to propose affordability for treating infectious diseases. This
study evaluates the present situation of the pharmaceutical marketing and
pricing strategies in Bangladesh in light of the status of the essential drug
market. This study will be helpful to assess essential drug affordability, to
keep pricing strategies appraised, to advise the drug administration of options
and to arrange for appropriate levels of public healthcare.
Author(s) Details
Nishat Chowdhury
Department of Pharmaceutical
Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
View Book: http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/120
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