Abstract
BackgroundPolicymaking in the pharmaceutical sector plays a pivotal role in achieving the health systems’ goals. Transparency in the pharmaceutical policy could increase confidence in decision-making processes. This study aims to assess transparency in the public pharmaceutical sector of Iran.MethodsThis qualitative study with a content analysis approach was conducted in 2017 using the World Health Organization tool to explore pharmaceutical transparency. The perceptions of the various stakeholders of the health system through semi-structured interviews with a maximum variation of stakeholders were obtained in eight functions, including registration, licensing, inspection, promotion, clinical trials, selection, procurement, and distribution of medicines.ResultsThere are some problems in two main categories: (1) General problems, including lack of transparency, conflict of interest, centralization, and monopoly. (2) Ethical problems include illegal payments, gifts, bribes, conflicts of interest, hidden power, hoarding, relationship-oriented behavior, medicine trafficking, and counterfeit medicine. Suggested solutions include evidence-based decision-making, the use of transparent and accountable processes, standardization, needs assessment, declaring a conflict of interest, skilled human resources, and tracking prescription.ConclusionDespite the development of effective pharmaceutical policy in the health care system and government interventions for the control of the market, in some functions, reviewing the pharmaceutical policy is essential. Additionally, declaring a conflict of interest statement must be at the core of policy development to provide greater transparency.
Highlights
Policymaking in the pharmaceutical sector plays a pivotal role in achieving the health systems’ goals
Declaring a conflict of interest statement must be at the core of policy development to provide greater transparency
The literature raised that the availability and affordability of medicines, even essential medicines, are deficient in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Summary
Policymaking in the pharmaceutical sector plays a pivotal role in achieving the health systems’ goals. Transparency in the pharmaceutical policy could increase confidence in decision-making processes. This study aims to assess transparency in the public pharmaceutical sector of Iran. Pharmaceutical products are one of the critical technologies, and the pharmaceutical sector is one of the main components of health care systems worldwide [1]. Esfandiari et al BMC Health Services Research (2021) 21:1316 diverse responsibilities make the pharmaceutical sector is increasingly susceptible to corruption and unethical practices [8]. A high level of transparency and accountability is critical for minimizing opportunities for fraud and leakage. A growing number of public health officials in ministries of health and national medicines regulatory authorities recognize the need for their institutions and personnel to work in a transparent and accountable environment [10]
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