Strategic procurement and international collaboration to improve access to medicines

Efficient procurement of medicines is more than just obtaining the lowest price. It is about creating a healthy market where products of good quality are available at affordable prices on a sustainable basis and at the right time.1 In this context, a strategic approach to procurement is vital. Such an approach should encompas all activities that might improve the efficiency of procurement – e.g. activities to minimize low-value repetitive purchases, increase the benefit of economies of scale and reduce transaction and transport costs.2 Here, we will provide examples of the experiences of countries in the World Health Organization’s European Region in improving the efficiency of procurement of medicines. We will also explain how international collaboration could help improve individual country’s efforts.