How patient-focused are big pharma access efforts? A new report investigates

For Health Business, Samwel Doe Ouma writes about the Access to Medicine Foundation’s new report, which examines pharma companies’ current approaches for measuring and reporting patient reach.

The article draws on insights from the Foundation's latest report, highlighting that 19 out of 20 companies are implementing 42 different approaches to track patient reach in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the diverse range of approaches underscores the absence of a standardised method for calculating the number of patients reached.

The article then shifts focus to the growing demand for essential healthcare products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite representing 80% of the global population, patients in these regions still face significant barriers in accessing vital treatments. It highlights that pharmaceutical supplies are often restricted and dominated by a few key suppliers, stressing the need for companies to enhance their monitoring and expansion of patient access.

Finally, the article reinforces the report's call for companies to seize opportunities to refine their strategies, ensuring that more people benefit from their efforts and better addressing critical healthcare needs.