Health Affairs, 27, no. 4 (2008): w260-w269 (Published online 28 May 2008) doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.4.w260 © 2008 by Project HOPE	New Online   How Would Obama, McCain Cover The Uninsured?   Debating Cost Of Uninsured   Try Medicare-For-All   HA Blog Top 10

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Pharmaceutical Reform In South Korea And The Lessons It Provides

Through implementation of its 2000 pharmaceutical reform, the South Korean government expected to reduce the cost of medications and improve service levels, medical appropriateness of care, and drug effectiveness. However, despite the reform’s lofty goals, unintended consequences have distorted the supply of medical services and spending. These consequences have included increasing the use of uninsured services, prescribing high-price drugs, and a growing market share for multinational drug companies. Further reforms are needed to reduce the measure’s adverse effects. This paper examines the Korean mandatory prescription system and offers an analysis of Korea’s reforms.

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