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Mauritius Launches Antitrust Probe into Pharmaceutical Sector

By  |  July 29, 2024

Mauritius’ antitrust agency has initiated an investigation into potential price fixing and collusion within its pharmaceutical sector, according to Bloomberg. The inquiry focuses on importers and wholesalers who supply pharmaceutical products to retail pharmacies. These entities are suspected of “illegally agreeing to fix the wholesale markup” on goods, as stated by the Port Louis-based commission in an emailed statement on Monday.

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    The products in question are subject to price controls, with their maximum markup determined by regulations. The investigation currently targets seven importers and wholesalers, but the antitrust agency has indicated that more companies could be implicated as the probe progresses, per Bloomberg.

    Related: EU Antitrust Regulators Accept Vifor Pharma’s Pledge to Halt Disparagement of Rival

    In 2023, Mauritius saw a significant increase in the importation of medical and pharmaceutical products, which grew by approximately 10% from the previous year, reaching 8.5 billion rupees ($182.6 million). These imports accounted for about 3% of the nation’s total imports for the year, according to Statistics Mauritius.

    The island-nation, home to about 1.26 million people, offers free health care to its residents. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has allocated a budget of 17.2 billion rupees for the fiscal year ending in June 2025, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining and improving the healthcare system.

    Source: Bloomberg