Abstract

FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF MODERN DRUG POLICY

Zlatareva* and Brankov

ABSTRACT

Reform and innovation in the European health systems are at the heart of a high level of social protection and the basis of Europe’s social market economy. The health sector employs approximately 8 % of Erope’s workforce and has a share of 10 % of EU’s GDP, albeit with significant variations between the different Member States. Global demand for medicines has registered a significant increase (reaching EUR 1.1 trillion in 2017). This trend runs parallel to a continual icrease of the market share of generic and biosimilar drugs. In a situa tion of annual increase by 6.9 %, by 2020 generic and biosimilar drugs will have a share of 80 % of all drugs in terms of volume and approximately 28 % in terms of value. Drugs are essential for sustaining life, improving its quality and alleviating suffering. As a commodity, they should therefore be available to all, regardless of whether an individual is able to afford them and/or procure the drugs they need.

Keywords: EU, medicines, financial aspects, financing, reimbursement.