The Reimbursement Act met the expectations; we have a transparent, transparent method of reducing drug prices, new drugs are added to the list – said Minister of Health Bartosz Arłukowicz. He announced an amendment to the act and further changes to the reimbursement list.
Arłukowicz on Wednesday at a press conference said that in the draft amendment to the act he wants to propose that the list of reimbursed drugs should be updated less frequently. That we would have more time to negotiate with concerns that are becoming more and more difficult – he said. He announced that on January 1, 2014, a new reimbursement list will appear, which will include, among others, a new drug in prostate therapy. The draft of the planned changes has already appeared on the MZ website.
The minister informed that as a result of changes in the law, the prices of reimbursed drugs fell, and patients and the budget paid them less. In 2011, patients’ surcharges amounted to over PLN 4 billion, in 2012 – PLN 3,4 billion, and by October 2013 – slightly over PLN 3 billion. The budget also paid less – in 2011 before the changes – PLN 8,8 billion, in 2012 – PLN 6,8 billion, and until October 2013 – slightly less than PLN 6 billion.
In January 2012, we started working with 2922 drugs, today we have 3818 items on the list – he added. We have the cheapest drugs in Europe – he assured. Arłukowicz emphasized that in 2012-13, thanks to negotiations with pharmaceutical companies and lower prices, 39 long-awaited, innovative drugs were introduced, 14 of which are drugs used in oncology.
11 drug programs were modified, including treatment of diabetes, new drugs have been introduced in cardiology, treatment of hepatitis, epilepsy, psoriasis, rheumatic diseases, bronchial asthma, bedwetting and rare diseases.
Therefore, after two years, I can say in an absolutely responsible manner that the law has met the expectations. We have a transparent, transparent way to reduce drug prices. New drugs were added to the list – he assessed.
Arłukowicz announced that the ministry will control whether doctors prescribe reimbursed or fully paid drugs. Grzegorz Kucharewicz, the minister and president of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Chamber, emphasized that the patient has the right to information on reimbursed drugs and cheaper drug equivalents, and pharmacists will provide such information. The pharmacy provides access to reimbursed drugs, but also to its reimbursed counterparts – reminded the head of the Polish Bar Council.
I would like to thank everyone who created the act, including Minister Ewa Kopacz. This act aroused a lot of emotions – good and bad. We were often criticized, both me and Minister Kopacz. Understanding the legitimacy and need for these changes, the minister prepared these bills and we implemented them. After two years, we presented the effects to you – said Arłukowicz. (PAP)
Infertility – a special guide is now available at kiosks!