With cost containment remaining a priority, government policy in the Netherlands has been characterised by various initiatives to liberalise pricing and modify the reimbursement scheme of pharmaceuticals covered under the compulsory health insurance fund. Another principal feature of the market in recent years has been the government's attempts to cut costs through the reduction of drug prices and measures relating to pricing and reimbursement. These measures have led to cost containment and narrowing of the price gap between proprietary and generic medicines.
The Netherlands has had a long reputation on providing a sound base for clinical research. This has been accomplished by a close working relationship between companies and universities. Research is undertaken for third parties in university centres, government and private institutions.
In 2008, the overall Dutch pharmaceutical market is estimated to be worth US$6.3 billion at retail prices, or US$381 per capita. In recent years the market has had many external constraints placed upon it; most notably was the imposition of a 40% price reduction for branded drugs with generic competition.
