Should We Use Canada and The WHO's 'Essential Medicines' as Guides for US Drug Pricing?

Revamping our Nation’s approach to drug pricing will be a daunting task and is one that the public is expecting from our next president. Experts suggest a foundation be built from two main sources:

1. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential Medicines list: Containing over 445 medicines deemed as essential in satisfying the priority health care needs of a population, the Essential Medicines list could serve as a model for the U.S. in identifying important drugs that should be protected from price surges and available to the entire population.

1. The Canadian approach to drug pricing includes a review of efficacy, quality and safety; the proposed price by the manufacturer; prices of competing medications; and prices set in other countries. Negotiations for drug prices include the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and a price is determined for all provinces of the country.

Read Stat News' article on it here.