Study on best practices in the public procurement of medicines : final report

Public procurement of medicines (PPM) is a strategic policy option to foster competition and improve access to medicines, as well as addressing important further policy objectives, including ensuring security of supply, protecting the environment, and improving crisis preparedness. In this study, PPM practices across 32 European countries (EU-27 plus EEA/EFTA countries and the UK) were mapped and analysed. The report presents findings regarding the organisational form of procurement for different types of medicines (ranging from facility-based procurement and group procurements to centralised procurement at regional or national levels) in the study countries, application of different forms of procedures and techniques (including the use of different award criteria, such as the Most Economically Advantageous Tender), and specific forms of procurement in the hospital sector. Possible impacts of PPM practices on a set of policy objectives (access to medicines, affordability and availability of medicines, security of supply, competitive market, protecting the environment, and supporting crisis preparedness) were assessed. The study also reports on the use of supporting policies, such as horizon scanning and health technology assessment, and the experience with cross-country joint procurements. The study includes a set of best practices for optimising PPM in Europe.