Asian Journal Of Social Pharmacy

Abstract: Objective To study the characteristics, specific functions and policy improvement process of the Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in the U.S. and to provide references for drug group purchasing practices in China. Methods Domestic and foreign relevant literatures, websites were reviewed or searched to analyze the functions and policy improvement process of the GPOs in the U.S. so as to provide references for drug group purchasing practices in China. Results and Conclusion As a third party in the U.S. GPOs has formed a relatively integrated business process and projects service system after long-term development. Supported by corresponding policies and industrial regulations, GPOs have made a great contribution to control the growth of medical and healthcare expenses and improve the efficiency of medical institutions, and its development experience can enlighten the practices in China.

Key words: group purchasing organization (GPO), drug purchase, the U.S.