In order to lower drugs prices and improve the competitiveness of the industry, the Executive branch will introduce this week a bill that creates a digital platform and centralizes the availability of drugs, without any geographical restrictions. With the same intention, the opposition will introduce an amendment  into the Drugs Act II already under study of Chamber of Deputies Health Committee to create price bands for essential drugs and wholesale supplies to small pharmacies. Its members expect to finish analyzing the measure, including the modifications, in August.

Deputies of the ruling party (Unión Demócrata Independiente – UDI) will introduce this week a bill that creates a digital platform and centralizes the supply of all the drugs available in Chile on a single website, so that consumers can compare prices and purchase them without any geographical restrictions. They hope that this will stimulate market competition and lower prices. Minister of Health Emilio Santelices, assured that this “is in line with the President’s ideas to incorporate new initiatives to increase competitiveness and reduce drug prices”.

On the other hand, the opposition is pushing for new changes to the Drug Law II. Opposition deputies from Partido Socialista proposed creating a price band for essential drugs by setting a 20% limit on the profits that can be earned by the sellers. Dep. José Luis Castro (Partido Socialista), a member of the Health Committee, assured that they will incorporate these changes and head the bill to the Chamber of Deputies in August.