The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reiterated its dedication to implementing the Gulf Committee for Drug Pricing's resolutions, in coordination with the Gulf Health Council. The ministry aims to balance providing affordable medications and supporting the local pharmaceutical sector.

In a press statement released Thursday, the MoH emphasized that the Drug Pricing Committee regularly reviews and reduces medicine prices based on comprehensive studies conducted by the Drug Pricing Department under the Drug Control Sector.

The ministry highlighted that a primary reason for reducing drug prices is the expiration of patents for innovative medicines. Such expirations lead to price drops ranging between 30% and 80%, depending on the drug and its market. Additionally, the availability of non-innovative generic drugs and therapeutic alternatives intensifies competition, further driving down costs.

By lowering prices, the ministry seeks to make medicines more accessible to both citizens and expatriates, alleviating their financial burdens. The reduction also decreases overall medical costs for patients and visitors, ensuring access to essential medications at reasonable rates.

The ministry explained that setting drug prices involves analyzing numerous factors, including:

• Clinical Trials and R&D Costs: Expenditures on research and development.
• Manufacturing and Packaging: The cost of production and packaging.
• Transportation and Storage: Logistics involved in distribution.
• Technological Integration: Use of advanced technology in production processes.

These considerations enable the ministry to develop flexible pricing models, optimize the supply chain, and evaluate market dynamics effectively.