MEDICINE
‘ In 2005 , money spent on pharmaceutical marketing in the United States was estimated at $ 29.9 billion with one estimate as high as $ 57 billion ’
pharmacies , hospital chains , and some health plans .
Manufacturers may also distribute products directly to government purchasers , such as the Veterans Administration , AIDS Drug Assistance Programs ( ADAPs ), and Vaccines for Children ( VFC ), which typically receive the largest price discounts .
In a few rare cases , a manufacturer may distribute drugs directly to a self-insured employer with an on-site pharmacy , but the typical employersponsored plan does not follow this path . Wholesale distributors are the manufacturers ’ largest purchasers and very few drugs are distributed directly to consumers . Manufacturers also play an
18 February 2015