A brief account of research on the prices of drugs / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To find out about the increase in the expenses of drugs as well as the changes of prices, manufacturing costs, and the distribution of profits in the manufacturing process so as to provide basis for the reform and perfection of the control of drug prices. Methods Using the method of retrospective sampling, investigations were made into the prices of drugs extensively used clinically throughout the country from 1995 to 2002 and analyses were conducted into the manufacturing and operating status of 80 pharmaceutical companies in 18 provinces of the nation and profits and other relevant influencing factors in 48 drug wholesaling enterprises in 20 provinces of the nation in 1999. Results The increment speed of the expenses of drugs in the 90s of the 20 th century in China was above 10%, higher than the increment speed of the GDP; the price index of drugs was on overage higher than the general price index; and the complete manufacturing costs of drugs accounted for 54% of their retail prices. Conclusion The prices of drugs in China might be regarded as appropriate, and yet too large an amount of profits goes into the process of circulation, resulting in insufficient funds for the pharmaceutical industry to conduct research and development.