Abstract

PRICING AND REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICINES IN CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Mariela Marcheva, LublianaTosheva-Konteva, Guenka Petrova*

Medical University of Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bulgaria.

ABSTRACT

Each member state within EU 28 undertakes different actions when shaping pharmaceutical policy. Especially over the past years during the financial crisis governments face challenges of guaranteeing the population best access to medicines within the slim budgets. The Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement systems established by Member States are usually quite complex. Each country uses different schemes and policies, adapted to its own economic and health needs. These national systems are regularly reviewed or adapted in order to take account of political priorities, market evolutions and patients' needs. The European Commission's initiatives in the field of pricing and reimbursement therefore seek to foster cooperation through the establishment of a structured dialogue between the competent national authorities and all relevant stakeholders. The core objective is not only to enhance the functioning of the Internal Market, but also to ensure that national systems achieve an adequate balance between cost-containment, pharmaceutical innovation and patients' access to medicines.

Keywords: Pricing, Reimbursement, External Price Referencing, HTA, Europe.