A PYMNTS Company

South Africa: Hospital group exec wants healthcare probe to include pharma cos

By  |  May 20, 2013
South Africa: Hospital group exec wants healthcare probe to include pharma cos

The executive of a private health group has expressed disappointment that a planned inquiry into South Africa’s private healthcare market by the Competition Commission will not also umbrella the pharmaceutical sector. Netcare CEO Richard Friedland offered the remarks on Monday, noting that consumers pay “40 percent more” for drugs in South Africa. The Commission’s planned review of the healthcare market will bring private hospitals and medical schemes under a close watch but appears to let the pharmaceutical sector off the hook under the argument that pharmaceutical prices are already regulated. Further, Friedland said the allowance of parallel imports of drugs could help lower costs for consumers. Netcare is currently the nation’s third-largest private hospital group.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Full Content: BDLive

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.