Big Pharma Industry Falling Short on Bridging Access and Health Equity Gap, 2024 Access to Medicine Index Report Reveals

The article highlights key findings from the 2024 Access to Medicine Index, noting that the overall pace of achieving universal access remains insufficient. The progress made has not been enough to meet the healthcare needs of the world’s poorest populations, underscoring the challenges to overcome persistent access gaps in underserved regions. 

“Despite the progress made, the opportunities to scale access and bridge the health equity gap remain largely untapped,” Jayasaree Iyer, CEO of the Foundation is quoted, “By leveraging proven strategies, innovative approaches, and local partnerships, companies can fulfill their potential in delivering lifesaving treatments to patients wherever they are needed.”

The article also discusses the 2024 Index's three Key Findings, which focus on pharma companies’ strategies for improving access to essential healthcare. These include approaches such as adopting Inclusive Business Models, ensuring representation of resource-poor populations in clinical trials, and recommitting to voluntary licensing and technology transfers.

Camille Romero, Research Programme Manager for the Index, is quoted: “While individual pharmaceutical companies have advanced their efforts to expand access, overall industry progress remains uneven in key areas. Decisive action is now needed, with the 2024 Index highlighting clear steps companies can take to accelerate broad, impactful change.”