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[HEALTH] · Argentina, Brazil, United States, France, Spain · 14 sources

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Argentina medication prices significantly exceed international markets

A confidential report circulating among Argentine officials reveals that frequently used medications in Argentina are significantly more expensive than in international markets. The study, which analyzed 17 essential active ingredients, found that local prices are higher in 90% of comparisons, with a median markup of 3.1 to 1.

To ensure accuracy, the study used the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) standard recommended by the World Health Organization. The largest price gaps were found when comparing Argentina to India (6.7 times more expensive), Spain (5.3 times), and France (3.4 times). Prices in Argentina were 1.8 times higher than in the United States and 1.6 times higher than in Brazil.

High-demand chronic treatments showed extreme disparities. Monthly costs for levothyroxine in Argentina were US$ 19.3 compared to a US$ 3.1 international median. Atorvastatin cost US$ 43.1 per month locally versus US$ 8 abroad, and metformin cost US$ 26.1 compared to US$ 5.3 internationally. These findings are being used to support government strategies for pharmaceutical market deregulation and increased direct imports.

Entities

Agencia Noticias Argentinas · Argentina · India · Ministry of Deregulation · Spain · World Health Organization

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

La salud desregulada [miramardiario.com]
17 days ago