The Pharmaceutical Organizations' Role in Public Health
IVPN Student
Building the next generation of professional and knowledgeable pharmacists.
In an era where global health challenges are ever-evolving, the role of pharmaceutical organizations has never been more critical. From developing life-saving medications to ensuring their availability, these entities are pivotal in shaping public health outcomes. However, despite these advancements, the affordability and accessibility of these medicines remain major challenges. We have yet to live in a world where every person, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to the medicines they need to live a healthy life.?
?On this journey, we will explore the meaning behind Dr. Oschmann’s statement: "Improving public health is everyone’s business and everyone’s responsibility, including the pharmaceutical industry.” This statement was his answer to a question about the role of pharmaceutical organizations in public health.
We will explore how pharmaceutical organizations can address the critical issues of medicine affordability and accessibility, and the significant impact these efforts have on public health. These attempts are essential for achieving universal healthcare ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medicines.
The primary challenge in global health is the disparity in the availability and affordability of essential medicines. High prices and limited access result in millions of people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, being unable to obtain necessary treatments.
Despite significant advancements in medical science, the accessibility and affordability of medications continue to be major obstacles in achieving universal healthcare.?
?The Accessibility Barrier
Many patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, struggle to access essential medications. Geographical barriers and inadequate distribution systems often prevent patients from obtaining necessary drugs.
?According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO), up to two billion people globally do not have access to essential medicines, including vaccines and medical devices. For instance in rural areas of developing countries like Sudan, patients often have to travel long distances to the nearest pharmacy, only to find that the medication they need is out of stock.
The Affordability Challenge?
?The rising cost of essential medications worldwide has made them unaffordable for many people. For example, insulin prices have increased significantly in recent years, causing financial difficulties for diabetics who need it to manage their condition. This trend is seen with various life-saving drugs, as high prices driven by research and development costs, patent protections, and market monopolies limit access to necessary treatments.
The Role of Pharmaceutical Organizations
1.??? Innovative Pricing Strategies:
o?? Tiered Pricing: Implementing tiered pricing based on a country’s income level to make medications more affordable.
o?? Generic Drugs: Promoting the production and use of generic drugs to lower costs.
2.???????????? Partnerships and Collaborations:
o?? Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with governments and non-profit organizations to improve drug distribution networks.
o?? Access Programs: Developing programs specifically designed to provide medications at reduced or no cost to vulnerable populations.
3.???????????? Research and Development (R&D) Investments:
o?? Neglected Diseases: Investing in R&D for diseases that primarily affect low-income populations.
o?? ?Advocating for and participating in global initiatives that provide incentives for research and development in areas that are often neglected due to low profitability.
How the Solutions of Pharmaceutical Organizations Address the Problem
I.? Cost Reduction:
II.? ? Improved Distribution:
III. Focused R&D:?
Transforming Public Health: The Benefits of Strategic Solutions
Pharmaceutical organizations play a crucial role in improving public health by addressing the issues of medicine affordability and accessibility. Their strategic solutions not only enhance public health outcomes but also make significant strides toward achieving universal health care and bring about substantial economic benefits.
1)? ? Enhanced Public Health Outcomes:
Increased access to affordable medications leads to better management of chronic diseases, lower mortality rates, and improved overall health outcomes.
2) ? Progress Toward Universal Health Care:
Addressing affordability and accessibility directly supports the goal of universal health care, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to obtain the health services they need without financial hardship.
3) Economic Benefits:
Healthier populations contribute to stronger economies through improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
The role of pharmaceutical organizations in public health, especially in promoting health equity, cannot be overemphasized. Through business model initiatives such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, which involve partnerships with private and public organizations, they have significantly improved accessibility to medicine and healthcare infrastructure. Jaak Peeters, head of Global Public Health at 强生公司 , highlighted the vital role of partnerships in enhancing public healthcare, stating, "No one organization can address the world's most pressing global public health challenges on its own. All sectors—public, private, and civil society—must collaborate in the best interest of patients."
Other ways these pharmaceutical organizations play a vital role in public health involve research development initiatives such as the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO (WIPO), It aims to foster research and development for neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis by facilitating collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and non-profits..
Strategies for Improvement
To effectively address the issues of affordability and accessibility in public health, pharmaceutical organizations should strengthen collaborations with local governments and NGOs to enhance distribution networks. Additionally, investing in community health education is crucial to increase awareness and proper usage of medications.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
?High costs of R&D and distribution: Collaborations between governments and NGOs can help share the financial burden of R&D and distribution costs.
Reaching distant populations: Working with local organizations helps identify specific health needs and ensure culturally appropriate interventions. This enhances logistics, builds community trust, and improves medicine distribution.
Moving Toward Equitable Medicine Access?
In conclusion, Pharmaceutical organizations have an important role in addressing the challenges of affordability and accessibility of medicines. By implementing innovative pricing strategies, forming strategic partnerships, and investing in targeted research and development, these organizations can significantly contribute to achieving universal healthcare. Ensuring that all individuals have access to the medications they need is not just a matter of public health, but a step toward a more equitable world.
Understanding the importance of these efforts, we encourage you to support these initiatives and share your thoughts on how to further enhance public health. Your involvement can help create a healthier world.?
Article by:
Zainab Bala Umar - IVPN Student Public Health Committee Member
Ruba Mansour - IVPN Student Public Health Committee Member