Access to medicines

The issue of access to medicines is complex, involving factors such as development and health policies, health system infrastructure and best practices, pricing, rational use of drugs and adequate funding.

Sustained access to treatment cannot be assured by a single organization or sector. Meeting this challenge demands the cooperation of many parties.

While the fundamental aspects of healthcare provision are the responsibility of governments and inter-governmental agencies, Novartis plays a supporting role whenever possible to improve patient access to our medicines.

We concentrate on improving access to treatments globally. We offer one of the most innovative portfolios of access projects adapted to patient needs, products, partners and countries. Access strategies are systematically integrated into the global marketing of our new drugs.

In the developing world, we have created innovative access programs, through partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), other procurement agencies and nongovernmental organizations. In the developed world, we offer discounts and support programs to patients who lack medical insurance or cannot afford the treatment.

Today, millions of patients around the world benefit thanks to Novartis initiatives - from drug donation and research programs to combat neglected diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy in developing nations to patient assistance programs that help cancer patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available.

In 2008, our contributions were valued at USD 1.26 billion and reached 74 million patients globally.

We recognize that access to medicines today clearly favors people who live in affluent, developed societies. In developing countries, access is limited - and we want to be a leader and partner in finding and implementing solutions to help close the access gap.

Sustainable access to medicines in poor countries requires sufficient healthcare infrastructure, distribution and financing. Governments must play a principal role in addressing these problems.

However, public-private partnerships to research new medicines, secure the necessary domestic and international financing to purchase them and develop critical health system infrastructure and capabilities are also essential.

Visit the World Health Organization website

 

Read our positions on:

Access to medicines in the developing world
(98 KB)

The Right to Health
(231 KB)

 

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