Measuring medicine prices, availability, affordability and price components

2ND EDITION

Authors: World Health Organization and Health Action International
Number of pages: 310
Publication date: 29/05/2008
Languages: English
WHO reference number: WHO/PSM/PAR/2008.3

In 2003, the World Health Organization and Health Action International published the first edition of Medicine prices – a new approach to measurement. The manual provided a draft methodology and tools for conducting reliable medicine prices and availability surveys in a standardized way, thereby facilitating national and international comparisons. More than 50 surveys have now been conducted worldwide, and the wealth of experience gained has led to a number of improvements in this second edition of the manual. The survey methodology has been refined based on the lessons learnt to date, and new methodologies and tools have been developed in the areas of price component surveys and routine monitoring of medicine prices and availability. As gathering evidence is only a first step in improving access to affordable treatment, the new edition provides more guidance on policy options and lines of action. Along with an updated version of the automated data workbook, a CD-ROM of survey tools, resources and background materials is included to ensure that the manual and accompanying software are as user-friendly as possible.

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