Pharmaceutical Reform in South Korea and the Lessons it Provides

Kim H-J, and Ruger JP. “Pharmaceutical Reform in South Korea and the Lessons It Provides,” Health Affairs, 2008; 27(4): w260-9.

11 Pages Posted: 17 Oct 2014

See all articles by Hak-Ju Kim

Hak-Ju Kim

Dongguk University

Jennifer Prah Ruger

University of Pennsylvania - School of Social Policy & Practice; University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

Date Written: May 2008

Abstract

Through implementation of its 2000 pharmaceutical reform, the South Korean government expected to reduce the cost of medications and improve service levels, medical appropriateness of care, and drug effectiveness. However, despite the reform's lofty goals, unintended consequences have distorted the supply of medical services and spending. These consequences have included increasing the use of uninsured services, prescribing high-price drugs, and a growing market share for multinational drug companies. Further reforms are needed to reduce the measure's adverse effects. This paper examines the Korean mandatory prescription system and offers an analysis of Korea's reforms.

Suggested Citation

Kim, Hak-Ju and Prah Ruger, Jennifer, Pharmaceutical Reform in South Korea and the Lessons it Provides (May 2008). Kim H-J, and Ruger JP. “Pharmaceutical Reform in South Korea and the Lessons It Provides,” Health Affairs, 2008; 27(4): w260-9., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2510894

Hak-Ju Kim

Dongguk University

26 Pil-dong 3-ga
Jung-gu
Seoul, Seoul 100-715
Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

Jennifer Prah Ruger (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - School of Social Policy & Practice ( email )

3701 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6214
United States

University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

423 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States

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