The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society's Board of Directors has scheduled a meeting with the International Pharmaceutical Federation and the Arab Pharmacists Union in Taif to discuss, among other things, the increasing cost of drugs and medicines. The meeting will be conducted as part of the Society's assembly to be held in conjunction with the Hada Military Hospital from July 8 to 10. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' first meeting of pharmaceutical societies will also be held during the period. Representatives of the ministries of health of GCC countries are expected to attend. The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society's assembly will bring together organizations concerned with the development and improvement of Saudi Arabia's SR7 billion pharmaceutical sector, such as the Food and Medicine Commission, the Administration of Medical Permits and Pharmacology, the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Care Department, the Scientific Council of Pharmacology, and the deans of faculties of pharmacology in Saudi universities. Apart from the price of drugs and medicines, the participants will discuss the following: u the effect of cost increases on the pharmaceutical industry and on companies operating in the Kingdom u the experience of hospitals in providing costly medication u the need to expand medical education in Saudi Arabia u the current and future condition of private pharmacies u the importance of appropriate transportation of drugs and medicines from ports to storage and from storage to pharmacies. The pricing of medicines is a key component of the government's 17-point plan to alleviate the impact of rising prices. The government has already announced purchasing five percent salary rises for 2009 and 2010 as part of its effort to stop further erosion of consumer spending power. – Okaz __
