Price of Average Prescription Drug Down, Says Minister
Speaking at a meeting with pharmaceutical companies today, Minister of Social Affairs Taavi Rõivas said people are buying more medicine than ever, and that the average price has gone down.
"The Estonian Health Insurance Fund ran a campaign to increase people's trust in pharmaceuticals,“ Rõivas said, adding that the campaigns have resulted in people choosing cheaper, generic alternatives.
The average prescribed drug is now purchased for 6.5 euros, 1.5 euros less than a few years ago, Rõivas said, adding that prices can go down at least another euro.
Only a third of those over the age of 75 are willing to pay for the generic alternatives of prescription drugs, the minister said, adding that the campaign to persuade them otherwise will continue.
The head of the fund's management board, Tanel Ross, said that the organization increased spending on drugs by 10 percent last year, a steeper increase than on other expenses.