Abstract

Access to essential drugs is vital for the promotion of better health for the entire population. However, access to these essential drugs are hampered by a number of factors, most notable among which are the uneven availability of essential drugs across different areas and low capacity to pay. High prices of drugs are being used as an argument for greater government role in the drugs sector through effective regulation of the drug market. To note, there have been different programs or policies implemented in order for government to have a more active role in drug regulation. This paper explores the nuances and intricacies of drug regulation, looking at it as an issue of economic failure as well as government failure.