This resource provides practical guidance on using competition law and policy in LMIC settings to increase access to affordable health technologies. The guidebook provides a number of model interpretations of key aspects of competition law, and uses country case studies to examine the successes and challenges experienced in using competition law and policy.

This guidebook is intended for use by government authorities in LMICs who may have an interest in promoting access to health technologies through the effective use of competition law—including competition authorities, procurement and health authorities, judges and members of legislatures.  It is also intended as a resource for civil society to inform their advocacy, policy and programmes work on treatment access and consumer/patient rights, including addressing anti-competitive activities that may affect consumer/patient welfare.

In 2022, a Supplement was published that provides an update on competition law and policy developments since the publication of the Guidebook. It describes how competition law and policy have been used to improve access to health technologies, particularly through recent examples, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the Supplement here.