This publication, which is based on the unique methodology and tools developed for the World Bank Institute/Harvard School of Public Health Flagship Course on Health System Reform and Sustainable Financing, provides a powerful set of resources to help policy makers better navigate the complicated process of reforming pharmaceutical systems. Its problemsolving approach complements technical resources and training curricula available on the discrete elements of a pharmaceutical sector. The application of the Flagship approach to the pharmaceutical sector is both useful and timely. Ensuring the availability of medicines and the effective management of their procurement and distribution is central to the drive to achieve coverage and access to basic health care that is both universal and ďŹ nancially sustainable. Together, the methodology and case materials contained in this publication provide a rich resource from which policy makers in developing countries may draw to guide their efforts to meet these challenges.
Maria-Luisa Escobar Manager, Health Systems Practice World Bank Institute
Saul Walker Senior Health Advisor Department for International Development (U.K.)
The views expressed by Mr. Walker are his own and do not necessarily reect the policy of the U.K. Department for International Development. xii
Foreword