Background: South Africa, promulgated pricing legislation in 2004 for scheduled medicines except for, schedule zero medicines. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of schedule zero medicine exemption from the Single Exit Price policy in the private sector. Objectives:The objectives of this study were to determine prescription pricing trends and whether any price differential for a basket of schedule zero analgesics existed across three economic areas; the number of brands available; and prices of over the counter and prescription medicines. Methods:The medical scheme database was obtained for the period January to June 2014 for prescription schedule zero medicine analysis. Outlets within three economic areas in the eThekwini Municipality were identified for data sampling using a mystery shopper approach. Schedule zero analgesic prices and pack-sizes were recorded on the day of the visit, which occurred from 12 March to 11 April 2015.Results: An analysis of 14 106 prescriptions from the medical scheme database showed significant differences (p < 0.05; CI 95%) when the submitted prices were compared to the cash prices. Dispensing fees were also significantly different (p < 0.05; CI 95%). 35 outlets were visited in which 65 schedule zero analgesics were noted. An ANOVA testing for differences between the economic areas indicated significant differences for 4 products. Conclusion:A more extensive study should be conducted to verify the pricing of schedule zero pricing on prescriptions to ensure that they are not linked to any perverse incentives.
In Indian villages, many households rely for their food security on the government sponsored Public Distribution System (PDS) that offers relatively poor quality rice or wheat at low prices. However, even in the medium term, the cost of public sector grain management to ensure food security is unsustainable. For this reason, central and state authorities in India have encouraged research into policy and practical guidelines for village-level food security. The approach being tested is to develop grain banks with groups of landless women in dryland areas of Andhra Pradesh where the cereal staple is sorghum. These self-help groups are formed with the help of a local NGO. The research partners in this exercise are seeking to understand the situation, characteristics and needs of the village communities, recognising that any initiative in community storage should be developed through a process in which demand is established and the way of working elaborated within the Group. The sustainability of this approach will become apparent over next few years. The strong emphasis on Group formation and the development of appropriate systems by the Group itself should encourage a high degree of 'ownership' and give a greater chance of success than experienced with grain banks in the Sahel since the 1970s.
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