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Access to medicines

Millions of poor people in both developed and developing countries cannot obtain the medicines they need. This is part of a broader problem of access to healthcare which remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world. The primary responsibility for addressing this problem rests with governments, but all stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, have important contributions to make.

This section describes how GSK is supporting efforts to improve access. It covers our:

• Contribution to the developing world through research, preferential pricing, partnerships and voluntary licences, and community investment in important public health initiatives;
• Pricing arrangements and discount cards for middle-income countries;
• Patient Assistance Programs and discount cards to help uninsured patients in the US.

We believe that our response is not only the right thing to do but makes good business sense. Companies that adapt their business practices to address such challenges will be the leaders of the future. In the competitive market for talented people this also helps us to attract and retain the best people.

Overall we need to make adequate returns on our business activities to enable us to invest in the R&D to bring new medicines and vaccines to patients. It is this innovation that underpins the sustainability of the company.

By finding innovative ways to help poor people in developed and developing countries access our medicines, we are addressing ethical, reputational and commercial imperatives. For these reasons access to medicines is a strategic business driver of GSK.

We also support under-served communities worldwide through donations, funding and practical support, see Community investment.

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