Based on market research conducted by Stratega Poland, the pharmaceutical market in Poland still cannot return to such good financial condition as it was before the year 2011 after the changes in a system of medicine reimbursement (i.e. profit margins of reimbursed drugs or prohibiting the promotion and advertising of pharmacies). In 2012 because of reductions in the market and forcing lower prices by the Ministry of Health, polish pharmacies recorded a decline in earnings. This caused lay-offs almost 13,000 pharmacies’ workers.
According to market research conducted by Stratega Poland, the year 2013 was slightly better for the pharmaceutical market research in Poland. In comparison with the previous year, there was an increase in sales of drugs amounted from 5% to 8%. The total value of the pharmaceutical market exceeded PLN 27,000,000,000 (€ 6,455,932,284). This is a result of at least 4% higher than in 2012. Pharmacies in Poland also recorded better results in 2013 and their average income was calculated from PLN 160,000 to 180,000 (€ 38,250 – 43,000). Not only pharmacies but also the prices of all types of drugs increased. For instance, the average price of prescription medicine amounted to PLN 21.70 (€ 5.20). At the same time, the price of over-the-counter drugs amounted to PLN 11.61 (€ 2.80).
Reimbursement drugs in Poland are only available for insured people. Patients can count on the reimbursement from the NFZ funds thanks to insurance premium paid. The amount of the refund depends on the type and extent of disease and the drug prescribed for the patient.
In 2013 there were not large changes in the reimbursement and OTC medicines market. In comparison with the previous year, sales of prescription drugs increased slightly in 2013. Market research agency, Stratega Poland showed all sales amounted to PLN 911,000,000 (€ 217,827,937) and it was higher by 5% than the last year. On the other hand, over-the-counter drugs recorded the decline in earnings noting the income slightly over PLN 1,000,000,000 (€ 239,234,449).
