Pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals in Portugal.

The pricing and reimbursement systems in Portugal are quite complex. This is due not only to the general characteristics of the Portuguese NHS but also to the past evolution of these systems. In this article we explain the main features of pharmaceutical policy in Portugal regarding pricing and reimbursement of medicines. Causes of government concern with expenditure and policies aiming at controlling it are pointed out. Policies are described through presentation of the most recent legislation approved on the issues analysed.