Comparative analysis of public procurement prices for diabetes medicines and other health products

Why do countries pay such different prices for essential diabetes products?

Access to affordable insulin and other essential diabetes products remains a major global health challenge. Yet, public procurement prices vary significantly across countries, raising important questions about pricing, transparency and purchasing practices. Developed by the University of Geneva in collaboration with Health Action International (HAI) through the ACCISS Study, this report examines public procurement prices for insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines and medical devices across different countries and regions. The findings reveal striking price disparities, including substantial differences between insulin vials, cartridges and prefilled pens, as well as blood glucose monitoring supplies. Beyond identifying these gaps, the report explores the factors influencing procurement prices and the challenges of collecting and sharing pricing data.

By highlighting opportunities for greater price transparency and more effective procurement strategies, this report provides valuable insights to support informed decision-making, improve affordability and advance equitable access to essential diabetes care worldwide.

Funding and acknowledgements This report was co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and developed as part of the ACCISS Study, in collaboration with Health Action International (HAI) and the University of Geneva. The analysis and reflections presented in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.