- Keywords > accountability - pharmaceutical sector
- Keywords > corruption
- Keywords > ethical practices and standards
- Keywords > good governance
- Keywords > Good Governance for Medicines (GGM)
- Keywords > monitoring and evaluation
- Keywords > pharmaceutical sector - individual and institutional integrity
- Keywords > pharmaceutical systems - effective management
- Keywords > transparency
(2013; 2 pages)
Access to quality-assured, essential medicines and their appropriate use remains limited in many parts of the world despite recent progress in improving the availability, affordability, quality and safety of medicines. Many factors contribute to poor access including inadequate financing, high prices, fragile supply systems and structures, as well as the irrational use of medicines. Weak governance complicates access by fueling inefficiencies, distorting competition, allowing corrupt practices and hindering effective management.
Promoting good governance in the pharmaceutical sector makes a sustainable contribution to health systems strengthening and universal health coverage. Growing numbers of public health officials in ministries of health and national medicines regulatory authorities recognize the need for their institutions and personnel to work in more transparent and accountable environments.
To strengthen good governance, the impact of inefficiencies, waste and corruption needs to be recognized; transparency and accountability need to be improved; key stakeholders should be involved in development of policies; and ethical practices promoted. Good governance must be institutionalized.