Government authorizes up to 12.5% rate increase on the price of medicine

Medicine prices can climb to 12.5% from this Friday (1st). Resolution of the Board of adjustment of the Medicamrntos market (Cmed), government agency formed by representatives of various ministries, in 12.5% the maximum allowed adjustment to manufacturers in the definition of the prices of medicines. The decision was published in the "Official Gazette".
The regulation is valid for a universe of more than 1900 medicines with Government-controlled prices.
In 2015, the maximum permissible rate increase was 7.7%. In 2014, the readjustment was 5.68%.
The sector already had a rate increase of up to 12.5%, in order to compensate for inflation and the increased costs caused by high-dollar and increases in the amount of electrical energy.
According to Interfarma, the association representing pharmaceutical laboratories in the country, is the first time in more than 10 years that the Government authorizes an annual readjustment of prices above inflation. Between March 2015 and February 2016 inflation calculated by the consumer price index (IPCA) in 10.36%.
Unlike other years, the Government has determined this time only a maximum adjustment range for all categories of medicinal products. In previous years, were allowed 3 different high levels, as the profile of competition from products, following the logic that, in categories with a higher number of generics, competition is greater and, therefore, the increase can also be greater. Last year, the average adjustment was in 6% and 50% of the products had rajuste of 5%.
Crisis and Exchange effect
The above inflation adjustment has as its backdrop the reflections of the economic crisis in the pharmaceutical industry, since, by the rules, the calculation of the index takes into account factors such as productivity and industry variations in costs of inputs.
According to the strong Interfarma high-dollar and electricity tariffs had strong impact on industry costs, which much of the raw material is imported. "This time, the productivity of the industry was negative, i.e. the labour hired produced less than the previous year. So, the factors of productivity ended up being cancelled, "said the Association.
Although the readjustment is worth, it is recommended that consumers do research, since prices traditionally tend to be rearranged as pharmacies are renewing their inventory.
Tips for the consumer
Before the adjustment, the Protest Consumer Association gives some tips for consumers:
-Search in different networks, and don''t forget to haggle. There are differences even within the same network, of a shop to another.
-Consult your doctor about the possibility of using the generic version of the medicine. The generic usually is cheaper. And remember that there are also differences in prices charged by different laboratories.
-Ask your doctor prescribe the medicine by the name of the active ingredient and not by brand name. It easier for generics and opt for cheaper.
-See the doctor about the possibility of using medicines on the list of Popular Pharmacy Program, which provides free medicine and with prices up to 90% cheaper. There are a number of pharmacies and drug stores that participate in the program.
-For those with chronic disease, another form of economy is adherence to customer loyalty programmes. Membership is made by the site of the companies or phone 0800, identified on the labels of the products. Depending on the medication, the discounts reaching 70%.