In developed countries with sophisticated approval, regulatory and distribution processes, concerns about access to medicines are often related to reimbursement, price, availability of competitive drugs, managed care, government policies and patient and physician choice. The best way to remove inefficiencies, control costs and improve the quality of health care is through competition and choice, the cornerstones of the free marketplace. The challenges to ensuring access to medicines, vaccines, and quality health care in the developing world are complex and require multifaceted approaches and solutions. Access to medicines in developing countries is often limited by inadequate health care infrastructure, lack of expertise and insufficient political will.

To learn more about Merck's efforts to improve access, visit our Corporate Responsibility site.

• Access in Developed Countries
• Access in the Developing World