* CONTENTS

I.Introduction 1. Ageing and non communicable diseases (NCD) 2. Availability and affordability of NCD medicines II. Lessons learned from OECD countries for pharmaceutical policies 1. Pharmaceutical expenditure trends 2. Benefit coverage policies for cost containment 3. Pharmaceutical policies for cost containment 4. Policies for rational use of NCD medicines III. Challenges for low and middle income countries in the Asia Pacific region 1. Availability and affordability of NCD medicines 2. Procurement and benefit coverage policies for NCD medicines 3. Pharmaceutical policies for cost containment IV. Case studies: Viet Nam, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea 1. Introduction 2. Viet Nam 3. China 4. Indonesia 5. Thailand 6. Korea V.Conclusion - References

* SUMMARY

In this study , we examine lessons learned from OECD countries for pharmaceutical polices in responses to population ageing and NCDs. Then, we present challenges for low and middle income countries in pharmaceutical policies to deal with NCDs, and share case studies from five countries (Viet Nam, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea). A nd then, we conclude.