Greece has announced an average cut of 30% on the prices of 1,551 drugs and an ad hoc commission is working to update the list of medicines, to ensure that consumers can benefit quickly, reports PharmaTimes. The Greek market was one of the most dynamic in Central-Eastern Europe until the arrival of the financial crisis which is affecting the country: spending increased by 64% between 2005 and 2009 to reach 6.2 billion euros. However, with the impetus for strong price containment and the refund policy put in place by the government to contain the country's problems, the market is expected to grow by only 1.5% this year and a total of 3.7% until 2014, with a value that will reach 7.5 billion euros, according to a Companies and Markets report. Furthermore, the health sector is among the most prone to corruption in Greece and the provision of care services is today in a serious situation.
Pharmacist33 . 6 May 2010 – Year 6, Number 82
