Drug Prices and US Influence: Possible Consequences for Türkiye
Recently, US President Donald Trump's statements regarding drug prices have had a huge impact worldwide. Trump said, "Prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices will be reduced by 30% to 80%." This situation could seriously affect developing countries, especially countries like Turkey. In this article, we will examine in depth the possible consequences of this change on Türkiye.
Reducing Drug Prices: Causes and Effects
As the pharmaceutical industry's largest and most profitable market, the US has the capacity to directly influence pricing policies around the world. Trump's statements, pharmaceutical companies may cause the company to reconsider its global pricing. This situation is particularly oncology and may create difficulties in obtaining necessary drugs for rare diseases.
- Increase in Drug Prices: Turkish pharmacists predict that prices may increase in the European countries they refer to (Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal). This increase may also be reflected in Türkiye.
- Domestic Production Under Threat: Foreign dependency threatens Türkiye's drug supply and may have negative effects on domestic production.
- Inventory Management Crisis: Pharmacies and hospitals may be required to maintain minimum stock.
Türkiye's Drug Addiction and Crisis Management
Türkiye, as a country dependent on foreign medicines, is one of the countries most affected by such international changes. Murat Tulle, as a Board Member of the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists, expressed this situation as "a situation that will make things difficult for developing countries like us." In this context, Türkiye needs to take some critical steps for the supply of medicines.
- Critical Drug List: Türkiye should create a specific list and ensure the continuous supply of these drugs.
- Domestic Pharmaceutical Production: Supporting domestic pharmaceutical production will reduce external dependency and strengthen Türkiye's hand in times of crisis.
- Stock Management: Strict measures should be taken regarding stock management in pharmacies and hospitals.
Changes in the International Pharmaceutical Market
President of the Turkish Pharmacists Association Arman Uney, stated that these decisions will have a major impact worldwide. Because the US is the highest-revenue market in the pharmaceutical sector. Therefore, price changes may lead manufacturers to reshape their global pricing policies.
It is anticipated that these price changes will create upward pressures, especially in many developing countries from Europe to Asia. Our country may also be negatively affected by this situation. Therefore, it is essential for Türkiye to review its pharmaceutical policies and take the necessary measures.
Strategies for the Future
There are some strategic steps that Türkiye needs to take to overcome this crisis:
- Local Drug Development: Increasing the number of domestic production facilities and supporting domestic drug development projects will reduce external dependency.
- Policy Development: Pharmaceutical policies need to be restructured and regulatory institutions strengthened.
- Price Control Mechanisms: Keeping drug prices under control will make it easier for patients to access medicines.
Conclusion: Preparedness for the Drug Crisis
The decision to reduce drug prices from the US will lead to major changes worldwide. Türkiye's preparation for these changes is critical to the sustainability of the health system. In this context, domestic production should be supported, stock management and drug policies should be reviewed. It should not be forgotten that health comes before everything else and every step taken in this area is vital for the well-being of society.
