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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and mental health. This group of conditions is the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with 74% of all deaths globally due to NCDs. 1 Although primary prevention is an essential component of the global health response, there is a need to ensure access to health services and medicines for the millions of individuals with an NCD.2 Targets related to NCDs and access to medicines are included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are key components to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).3 Included in the language of SDG Target 3.b is the notion for people of ‘access to the affordable, high-quality medicines and technologies they need’.4 In exploring the leading causes of inefficiencies in implementing UHC, the WHO reports that many of these relate to the procurement and use of medicines.5