Drug price gaps limited to specific products: SFDA

Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Hisham Aljadhey, said drug prices in Saudi Arabia differ from neighboring countries for specific products, adding that some medicines are significantly cheaper in the Kingdom.

Speaking to “Fi Al-Soura” TV program, he explained that several factors, including safety standards, influence drug pricing.

Some countries reduced prices by easing safety standards, such as lowering equipment upgrade demands, which cuts costs. However, Saudi Arabia prioritizes safety above all, Aljadhey added.

Availability also plays a key role, he said. Global pharmaceutical companies assess markets based on supply opportunities, while government procurement prices vary due to negotiations, impacting overall pricing.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has two drug pricing categories. Prescription drugs are regulated by the SFDA and covered by government hospitals and insurers, while over-the-counter medications follow a different pricing structure.

The SFDA regulates 7,000 registered drugs and periodically reviews prices. Drug costs also depend on industrial and shipping expenses, which vary between countries, Aljadhey said.