Consumers are being urged to shop around and compare
prices when purchasing prescription medicines, following a
complaint that revealed significant price differences for
the same medication across pharmacies in Suva.
The
case involved a consumer who visited the pharmacy of a
prominent private hospital in Suva and was quoted
approximately $820 for a three-month supply of her regular
medications. After deciding to shop around, she purchased
the same medications elsewhere for approximately $361, a
saving of around $459.
One medication in particular
was quoted at more than $120 by the private hospital’s
pharmacy, however, when the Council conducted its own price
checks at three other pharmacies in Suva, it found the same
medication at the same dosage selling for between $16 and
$20, highlighting why consumers should compare prices rather
than assume they must purchase medicines from a pharmacy
associated with or recommended by their healthcare
provider.
While prices can vary between generic and
branded medicines, in this instance, our checks show that
even the branded medication at the same dosage did not carry
a comparable price, with alternatives available at
significantly lower prices.
Consumer Council of Fiji
Chief Executive Officer Seema Shandil said consumers should
shop around and compare medicine prices, while pharmacies
must also ensure their pricing is fair and ethical.
“Consumers should compare prices, particularly for regular
medications, but pharmacies also have a responsibility to
act ethically and with empathy. A reasonable premium may be
expected at a private hospital, but charging more than $120
for medication available elsewhere for $16 to $20 is simply
baffling,” Ms Shandil said.
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“Medicines are not
ordinary discretionary purchases. People buy them because
they need them for their health and wellbeing. Pharmacies,
particularly those attached to hospitals and other
healthcare facilities, should recognise that position of
trust and deal with consumers ethically and with
empathy.”
Ms Shandil also added, “Consumers should
follow their doctor’s medical advice, but that does not
mean they have to buy their medicines from a particular
pharmacy. Ask about prices, shop around and make an informed
choice, it could result in significant savings.”
The
Council has also sought information from the private
hospital concerned regarding the factors contributing to the
retail prices of the medications in this case.
At the
same time, the Council is calling on pharmacies and
healthcare providers to ensure that their pricing practices
reflect the trust consumers place in them, particularly when
dealing with essential medicines. Consumers should be
clearly informed of their options and, where appropriate,
given a choice between branded and generic medicines, so
they are not unnecessarily burdened with significantly
higher
costs.
