Pharmaceutical policy in Poland

Abstract

The Polish healthcare system has undergone a number of changes in recent years related to the reimbursement of pharmaceuticals. The public healthcare system is primarily supported through government-funded public health insurance. The reimbursement system in Poland is one of the most restrictive systems in Europe. In addition, as a member of the European Union (EU), Polish legislation must frequently adapt to the changing requirements within this environment. The pharmaceutical market in Poland has been steadily growing over the last two decades. Pharmaceutical companies are important players in the national economy and are valuable employers that contribute significantly to the economy. As a nation, Poland is also known throughout the pharmaceutical industry as a country with sound outsourcing potential, there being interest from numerous multinational pharmaceutical companies. One of the most important characteristics of the pharmaceutical market in Poland is the high market share enjoyed by generic medicines, as well as the growing popularity in use of over the counter (OTC) medicines. Over recent years, there has been an increase in the number of pharmacies and a corresponding increase in the average patient’s expenditure on medicines and dietary supplements. In line with this positive growth, Poland has had to struggle with a number of obstacles associated with pharmaceutical use, including the illegal export of cheap drugs from Poland and an undersupply of physicians that can prescribe these agents. There are also several major health reforms on the horizon that are likely to significantly change the landscape of the pharmaceutical sector in Poland.