WHO

At the close of the 72nd World Health Assembly on May 28, the World Health Organization  adopted a resolution to improve market transparency for medicines, vaccines, research and development costs, clinical trial data and patent information.  

The document issued at the close of the Assembly urges governments to share more information on pharmaceutical patents, clinical trial results and other pricing factors included in the value chain from laboratory to patient.

The regulations are intended to help WHO member states make more informed decisions when purchasing medical devices and push for a greater public exchange of information on the real prices paid by governments and other purchasers for medical devices.

The agency urged member states to take steps to publicly share information on the net prices of health products. The resolution explains that “the net price, effective price, net transaction price or manufacturer’s selling price is the amount that manufacturers receive after deducting all rebates, discounts and other incentives.”

it is hoped that during the course of the year, the document will serve as input for member countries so that they can evaluate the design of public policies to ensure the implementation of this resolution.