Healthy Skepticism Library item: 18867

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Arie S
Most OECD countries could save money by improving clinical guidelines and negotiating better drug prices
BMJ 2010 Oct 7; 341:
http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c5552

Abstract:

A new report for the Organisation for European Cooperation and Development (OECD) says that most countries struggling to reduce public spending could make major savings in health care without sacrificing the quality or availability of care.

The report comes as health ministers from OECD countries meet in Paris to discuss the risks and options they face because of huge pressure on them to make cuts.

It warns that short term “command and control” policies can hold expenditures down in the short term but often have negative consequences in the long term.

The OECD points out that with health spending at an average of 9% of …