To achieve universal access Member States must formulate and implement coherent Pharmaceutical Policies, integrated within National Health Policy, and linked with other related polices including science technology and industrial development. Access to essential medicines and biologicals is ensured through the development of an organized system that integrates the selection, financing, procurement and distribution of pharmaceuticals in accordance with the needs of the population.

The Median of per capita public or government expenditure on medicine in middle-income countries in the Region of the Americas is US$5.4 (US$ 4 in the first 25% percentile and US$ 12.54 in the fourth 25% percentil) in contrast with high-income countries where the median is US$ 30.6 (US$ 29,9 in the first 25% percentile and US$ 154,9 in the fourth 25% percentil): however only 20% of middle-income countries have public health insurance that aims to ensure universal access. Incentives for generic medicine prescribing are not common (22.7% countries in public pharmacies and 19% countries in private pharmacies). Developed countries have recognizable medicines production capacity and can meet national needs in medicines and biologicals through national pharmaceutical industrial capacity. The majority of countries have limited research and development capacity, with poor translation capacity from research into technological innovation. Only about 20% of countries have the capacity to research new substances and produce pharmaceutical starting materials. Patents are granted by national offices in almost all middle-income countries and in 50% of high-income countries. About three-quarters of middle-income countries have modified their legislation to implement TRIPS, and TRIPS flexibilities have been used by about 50% of middle-income countries. The implementation of the Regional Perspective of the Global Strategy in Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property remains a priority for the Region.