Drug prices

The price gallop known in many markets has caught up with pharmaceuticals. Since March 1, the prices of 601 drugs have increased significantly. Some have become more expensive by several tens of zlotys. Updates to the list of reimbursed drugs are carried out by the Health Ministry every two months. The latest one, which came into effect on March 1 this year, has caused a lot of emotions, among other things due to the number of drugs for which patients will pay more than before. The changes will be felt, for example, by patients with type 1 diabetes. The insulins they use - drugs with the active substance called Insulinum glarginum - will become more expensive by a dozen or even several dozen zlotys. The record increase is for a drug used for patients with angioedema (Firazyr) - its price has increased from just over 3 to almost 200 zlotys. The list of popular drugs whose prices for patients have risen "only" by a few zlotys per package includes antibiotics based on amoxicillin, strong painkillers with tramadol hydrochloride, and cholesterol drugs with an active substance called atorvastatinum. Such information was reported by "Rzeczpospolita".

The shape of the new reimbursement list can be enjoyed by those allergic to dust and those who want to undergo desensitization treatment. The preparation used for this has decreased by almost 453 zlotys and now costs less than 34 zlotys. A total of 328 preparations have dropped in price since March 1. The money we pay at the pharmacy for drugs is only a part of their actual price. Every year, billions are spent from the NHF budget on pharmacy reimbursement. The financial plan for 2023 includes PLN 7.3 billion for this purpose - with the budget set at PLN 142.1 billion.