S Africa MoH tackles drug price fixing

South Africa's Department of Health has declared its intention to get rid of price fixing by pharmaceutical companies, particularly with respect to tendering for government contracts, reports the local BuaNews. To achieve this, the Department said it will work with other state agencies to clear the sector of collusion practices aimed at exploiting consumers.

"These practices undermine the efforts of government to improve access to affordable health care in the country," said health spokesperson Sibani Mngadi.

The Department also welcomed the decision by the Competition Commission to refer three drugmakers - Adcock Ingram Critical Care, Dismed and Fresenius Kabi - to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution, BuaNews said.