Higher prices in Jamaica.
Price increases in the Jamaica CSM program went into effect on August 31, 1981.  The program began in 1975.  While the need for higher prices has been under discussion for the past 3 years, this is the 1st time the requisite approval from the Jamaica Price Commission has been obtained.  The Jamaica National Family Planning Board (JNFPB) reports that the Panther 3-pack (condom) is up US$0.15 to US$0.30.  Each Perle package (oral contraceptive) was increased by US$0.20.  Single cycle Perle now sells for US$0.50, and 3-pack Perle sells for US$1.10.  The 6-year price stagnation experienced by the CSM program resulted in a decreasing operational budget as program costs continued to rise.  Marketing costs alone during this period escalated by 100-300%.  For example, Panther pop-up display cartons cost the project US 16U each in 1975.  By 1979 the same product cost US 49U.  Newspaper advertisements have increased from the 1975 cost of US$68.00 to nearly $200.00 per placement.  The overall inflation rate in Jamaica during the last 5 years has averaged more than 20% annually.  In the face of these rising costs, outlet expansion for Perle has been prevented, wholesaler margins have been unavailable, and new retailer training has been discontinued.  It is projected that the new prices will result in an annual increased revenues of US$80,000 which will be used to reinstate these essential marketing activities.  The JNFPB is also planning to introduce a Panther 12-pack and Panther strips to the CSM product line.  According to Marketing Manager Aston Evans, "We believe the public is now ready for this type of packaging" which is scheduled to be available soon.  Panther is presently only available in a 3-pack, but annual sales have been steady.  The new 12-pack will be stocked on supermarket shelves to provide higher product visibility and wider distribution.  The selling price has been set as US$1.20 and is expected to yield a 25% increase in sales during the 1st year.  A complete sales promotion and advertising campaign will accompany the 12-pack introduction.  The marketing plan for Panther strips emphasizes placement in government and private sector offices and factories throughout the country.  In the deep rural areas the strips will be available for sale in shops, bars, nightclubs, and other distribution points.
D000569:Americas; D017691:Caribbean Region; D017280:Condoms; D003267:Contraception; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D004467:Economics; D005193:Family Planning Services; D006078:Government Programs; D006285:Health Planning; D007563:Jamaica; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D009656:North America; D009934:Organization and Administration; D019064:Product Packaging
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
Americas; Barrier Methods; Caribbean; Condom; Contraception; Contraceptive Distribution; Contraceptive Methods; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Distributional Activities; Economic Factors; Family Planning; Government Sponsored Programs; Jamaica; Marketing; Nonclinical Distribution; North America; Oral Contraceptives; Organization And Administration; Packaging; Pricing; Program Activities; Programs; Social Marketing