HarmonyVote

Initiative Title: Fair Pharmaceutical Pricing and Access Act

Description:

1. Price Transparency Regulations:
   Mandate full public disclosure of the cost structure behind pharmaceutical pricing, including R&D, marketing, production, and profit margins. This data must be audited and published annually by an independent authority.

2. International Price Benchmarking:
   Introduce caps on drug prices based on average international prices in comparable economies. Countries may use a reference pricing model to prevent excessive price disparities.

3. Compulsory Licensing for Public Health:
   Allow governments to issue compulsory licenses for essential medications in the event of price gouging or supply shortages, enabling local or third-party production of generics.

4. Support for Public and Non-Profit Drug R&D:
   Establish a public fund to support research and development of new medications by public institutions and non-profit organizations. Results must remain in the public domain.

5. Bulk Procurement and Generic Substitution:
   Promote joint drug procurement strategies and encourage the use of safe, high-quality generics within national health systems. Provide incentives for pharmacies and hospitals that prioritize cost-effective alternatives.

6. Ban on Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising:
   Restrict direct marketing of prescription drugs to consumers to reduce demand manipulation and prevent over-prescription driven by commercial interests.

7. Independent Price Review Board:
   Create a national or regional board empowered to investigate and rule on excessive pharmaceutical pricing. It can impose price reductions or penalties when necessary.

8. Public Education Campaigns:
   Launch awareness campaigns to inform the public about generic alternatives, patient rights, and the societal impact of inflated drug pricing.

Possible Outcomes and Implications:

• Improved Medication Access: Lower prices will ensure more people can afford essential treatments.
• Reduced Healthcare Costs: National health systems will save billions through price regulation and generic substitution.
• Stimulated Public Innovation: Public funding and open science initiatives may lead to more affordable, accessible medicines.
• Ethical Market Reform: Reinforces the principle that health is a right, not a commodity.

Votes: