Bulgaria and Romania could join forces to decrease the price of expensive drugs. The two countries could buy jointly the drugs because by ordering large amounts, they can negotiate lower prices.
The proposal was launched by the Bulgarian Minister of Health.
Bulgarian Minister of Health, believes that if Romania and Bulgaria's efforts will bear fruit and will lower the prices of medicines in case of larger orders, then they can make the next step. The official in Sofia plans to persuade other European countries to join the "pharmaceutical unions," according to Novinite news agency.
Drugs that will be purchased by Romania and Bulgaria in joint tenders will be selected from the lowest possible prices. Bulgarian Minister of Health acknowledged, however, that only general use medicines will be bought but says prices will be much lower because the intermediaries on the route from manufacturer to patient will be eliminated.
The Bulgarian official explained that Romania and Bulgaria distributors impose high prices because the market is relatively small. When these high prices are not supported by the authorities, important drugs are not delivered and disappear from the market.
By changing policy on pharmaceuticals reckless spending of funds worth over 500 million euros from the budget of the health ministry in Sofia will be stopped.