외국의 약품비 지출 관리 정책 현황과 국내 시사점

Lessons from Pharmaceutical Expenditure Containment Policies in Other Countries

The aging population and increasing demand have threatened the sustainability of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Although spending efficiency is crucial, few studies exist on the method of setting pharmaceutical expenditure budgets. As this study reviewed drug spending prediction and control measures, it attempted to derive implications from domestic policy. We conducted a report review of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Further, we conducted interviews with seven experts in pharmaceutical policy-related academia and Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) practitioners. The results showed that 13 out of 22 countries regularly set public pharmaceutical spending budgets. Additionally, to control pharmaceutical expenditures, numerous foreign countries have implemented policies on pricing and reimbursements. The results of the interview on the domestic drug spending control policy highlighted the necessity of a demand-based policy targeting physicians and patients. Based on the review of foreign policies and the interview results, we suggest the necessity of projecting future expenditures and using the soft drug expenditure limit.