Regulators push for stricter controls on drug prices amid rising healthcare costs
Health authorities in the Netherlands are calling for stricter government action to ensure drug prices remain socially acceptable amid rising healthcare costs, De Telegraaf reported. The Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut), the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), and the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) presented recommendations to Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport Jan Anthonie Bruijn.
“The aim is to look more critically at the societal acceptability of medicine prices before they are included in the basic health insurance package,” Bruijn said.
Authorities recommended clear guidelines for which medicines should be reimbursed and more competition among pharmaceutical companies to prevent prolonged high pricing. Rising spending on expensive drugs has reportedly put other healthcare services under pressure.
The concern followed the 2021 motion from the Tweede Kamer, which asked authorities to ensure drug prices remain reasonable. This led to the 2023 Socially Acceptable Spending on Medicines (Maatschappelijk Aanvaardbare Uitgaven Geneesmiddelen, MAUG) program. After two years, authorities delivered their recommendations, including input from a Radboud University Medical Center citizen panel.
The panel concluded that Dutch citizens do not want all new medicines automatically included in the insurance package. “If the price is too high, a clear no must be said,” it stated. Another finding urged that “the assessment framework for which medicines may or may not be included in the package must be tightened.”
MAUG outlined principles for pricing. Drugs providing significant health benefits or treating serious diseases may cost more. Medicines with uncertain effectiveness, limited innovation, or large potential use should have lower prices.
Mark Janssen of the Zorginstituut said societal impact will now be considered alongside patient benefit. “We currently look mainly at the benefit for the patient and the health gains. But now we will also consider the impact on society.”
Authorities also stressed high prices should be temporary. New drugs can initially cost more, but prices should fall once manufacturers recoup development investments. “In the current system, the price of a drug often remains unnecessarily high,” said Geranne Engwirda, NZa chairperson.
