Regarding the price of medicines set by the government, the government and the ruling party want to decide the items to be reduced in the next year's revision this week, and it is expected that adjustments will be made.
Regarding drug prices set by the government, the government will revise the drug prices, which had been once every two years, every year from next year in order to appropriately reflect the market prices and reduce medical costs.
According to a survey of drug market prices by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the average price is 8% below the national price, and we are considering items to be reduced.
According to a calculation by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare,
if 3200 items with a price difference of 16% or more from the market price are reduced, medical expenses can be reduced by 120 billion yen
, and about 8700 items with a difference of 8% or more will be reduced. In that case, it is expected to have a curbing effect of 360 billion yen.
While there is an opinion within the government that as many items as possible should be reduced in order to curb medical costs, the ruling party will carefully assess the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus on drug prices. Some have argued that it should be limited, as it is necessary.
The government and the ruling party are looking to decide on the items to be reduced this week in preparation for the decision on the budget for next year, and it is expected that adjustments will be made.