Some pathologies and weaknesses of the drug reimbursement system in Poland

Abstract

The article is a theoretical and research study. The theoretical part
presents the characteristics of the drug reimbursement system in Poland. The
empirical part presents the results of empirical research designed to identify
main pathologies and weaknesses in the current practice of the system, with
particular regard to the pharmacy Rx medications retail and wholesale market.
The paper thoroughly presents three of the six categories of weaknesses and
pathologies diagnosed, based on the results of the empirical research, i.e.
rewarding patients with the use of rebates and discounts mechanisms (i.e.
drugs for a penny) for providing pharmacies with prescriptions; changes in
the price of the drug after its introduction/removal from the list of reimbursed
drugs, which are disadvantageous to the public payer (and/or a patient);
limiting the availability of medicines in the domestic market resulting from
legal and illegal parallel export as a consequence of low official domestic
prices, and wholesale and pharmacy margins. The results of the study have
been used to formulate general conclusions regarding valid reasons to
proceed with the improvements to the reimbursement system.