The new report* states that rapid economic growth is not only leading Brazil to become a more affluent country, but one which now dedicates a high proportion of its gross domestic product (GDP) to healthcare, spending close to 9% as compared to the 10-12% the US devotes to the sector. However, while healthcare expenditure seems to be rising as personal disposable income grows, the private sector is still accounting for the bulk of these profits.
While the 1988 formation of Brazil’s official healthcare system was commended as an example for other governments, healthcare expenditure in Brazil remains predominantly down to the patient. While the Unified Health System (UHS), also known as Serviço Unico de Saude (SUS), of Brazil is the only source of healthcare for nearly 70% of the total population, it only accounts for around 30% of expenditure on pharmaceuticals.
In contrast, the private healthcare system is well-established, paid for through private supplemental health insurance or as out-of-pocket expenditure. Since the majority of private insurance firms do not give reimbursement for out-patient drug costs, these must be funded by the individual.
In Brazil, the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) has the primary responsibility of granting marketing approval to new drugs, and the Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos (CMED) is responsible for deciding on the price of new drugs. Pricing is based upon the availability of generic versions of the drug, as well as the degree of innovation incorporated in the new molecule, while the price of patented drugs is based on an international reference price. After the initial price has been agreed upon, CMED also establishes annual price increases each year which are generally based on the prevailing inflation rates. GBI Research analysis indicates that while these price increases do not apply to government and hospital purchases, individuals continue to be affected by these charges, as unofficial private healthcare remains firm.
*Pricing and Reimbursement in Brazil - Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Studies to Facilitate Setting of Ceiling Prices for New Drugs
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system, and pricing and reimbursement process in Brazil with key data, information and analysis of the pricing and reimbursement steps in the country. The report closely scrutinizes the major changes in pharmaceuticals-related pricing and reimbursement in Brazil.
This report was built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GBI Research’s team of industry experts.
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