a. The procurement policy aims at securing both the necessary quantity and quality of pharmaceutical products, according to the national drug list, which will meet the medical needs of the majority of the population (see note 4). Donations will only consist of drugs included in the national drug list (NEDLIT).

Procurement will be directed towards manufacturers in preference to brokers and trading houses.

b. Criteria for procurement planning will be that essential drugs are given priority.

Priority will also be given to local manufacturing companies and when feasible to regional manufacturers before considering overseas suppliers.

c. The procurement policy aims at securing the lowest possible price without affecting quality. The policy aims at coordinating and consolidating national procurement for both the public and the private sector. The policy also aims at keeping the prices for imports of both, raw materials and finished goods, at the low end of international price levels.

d. The long-term objective is to achieve optimal self-reliance through a shift from importation to increased local production. In addition to drug formulation the policy will later aim at producing intermediate and raw materials when there is a national comparative advantage or, to enter into production partnerships within the region.