[Reporter's View] 'Korea Passing' related to new drugs

The same term can be interpreted differently.

 

In the pharmaceutical industry, 'Korea Passing' is not a matter of diplomatic conflicts.

 

The issue is not analogous to the United States and North Korea alienating South Korea, but it related somewhat to a single multinational pharmaceutical company alienating South Korea due to drug pricing in other countries.

 

Therefore, the Korean health authority opposes using the term 'Korea Passing' in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

However, the number of cases is increasing.

 

Several pharmaceutical countries have temporarily halted the reimbursement process or given up in South Korea due to China and Canada.

 

When asked about their official reasons, the responses mainly were 'related to company's internal matters.' This financial issue, which is the chief concern of the 'Korea Passing,' in turn exacerbates problems related to 'drugs,' which directly affect human health.

 

It is of utmost concern that more 'drugs in the market cannot be used in practices.' Interestingly, such a 'Korea Passing' issue is often transformed into an 'internal matter.' Although the government and the industry may have different stances, the term 'Korea Passing' implicating 'patriotism' comes as a burden.

 

Since it is generally conceived that 'new drug=multinational companies,' company's statements such as "we will not sell drugs in South Korea because drug pricing in South Korea is too low" impose a burden.

 

To claim such a statement, companies should admit that they are not putting patients first.

 

They may blame the Korean system.

 

However, the Korean subsidiaries of these companies should acknowledge that they have not put Korean patients first.

 

Also, they should question themselves, 'Have we tried our best?' The Korean government cannot avoid being responsible.

 

New drugs that patients most need are primarily products from multinational pharmaceutical companies.

 

Instead voicing concerns for the future of the Korean industry, the government overlooks patients in South Korea.

 

The government should not approach this issue of confidential drug pricing without being flexible since it does not put more financial burden.

 

It is an unavoidable issue a country with a small market size, like South Korea, faces.

 

The government initiated expanding the risk-sharing agreement (RSA) despite opposing opinions from non-governmental organizations.

 

The government must strive to minimize the effect of 'Korea Passing' to resolve remaining conflicts.

 

Despite such concerns, companies must put forward responsibility related to the 'drug' itself when communicating with their headquarters for 'bringing their companies' drugs to South Korea' amid the process of improving the system.