Debated in Parliament on 7 Nov 2022.
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the trends for the prices of the top 10 drugs on the Cancer Drug List and Non-Cancer Drug List in the last five years; (b) how do the prices on these lists of drugs compare with the OECD median drug prices; and (c) what are the measures taken to ensure that such drugs remain accessible and affordable to all.
The average cost prices of the top 10 drugs by spending in the public sector have remained relatively constant between 2017 and 2021. A few have dropped in prices.
However, it is not meaningful to compare these prices with those in other countries as pharmaceutical companies differentiate prices according to the size and income levels of each market, as well as Government policies.
We keep public sector drug procurement prices competitive through the efforts of ALPS – the supply chain agency for public healthcare – to aggregate demand and centralise procurement. This is complemented by the efforts of the Agency for Care Effectiveness to negotiate lower prices.
To ensure patient affordability and access, we subsidise up to 75% for clinically- and cost-effective drugs. Pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors will benefit from additional subsidies. Patients facing financial difficulties will be further assisted through MediFund.
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