Evidence on Corruption in Public Procurements in Healthcare and the Implications for Policy

Bribery, kickbacks, collusion and favoritism in public procurements are well-known challenges in almost all countries. In healthcare, these informal practices—often labeled as “corruption”—may have consequences ranging from financial losses to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Most informal practices in public procurement indeed fit the definition of corruption, for instance bribery and kickbacks. However, others, such as collusion and favoritism, are less tangible and sometimes it is arguable whether they can be called corruption. This chapter follows a normative vision and presents a review of evidence on corruption in public procurements of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The focus is on the forms of corruption in public procurements, consequences and possible solutions.