Drug price gap narrows in Switzerland
Consumers in Switzerland still pay more for pharmaceuticals than in other European countries, but the gap continues to narrow.
However, generic drugs are nearly twice as expensive as the combined average of France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain, according to a survey published by the health sector on Tuesday.
The 200 patented drugs generating the biggest turnover are around six per cent more expensive in Switzerland, a drop of three per cent over 2009.
The prices of several hundreds of drugs went down in Switzerland in March after the government ordered some price controls. These controls will take place once every three years, from now on.
The industry expects the price difference for generics to be reduced further next year following an announcement by the interior ministry to reduce prices.
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