Read the Conversation
EF: Is 2024 going to be a year of opportunities or challenges?
MB: There will be opportunities and challenges in 2024. We are currently in a transitional era following a recent change of government. Some crucial positions have new occupants, while others continue to be filled by the same individuals.
As we advance the conversation with the new ministers about developments in reimbursement, we hope that the current government will value continuity. The sector is currently viewing the change in governments as a significant opportunity due to the new legislation that complies with European law, the European Commission, and the diverse methods taken to business situations.
This situation presents a chance for forward-thinking businesses like ours. We believe that the present administration will make investing easier, which is extremely important to us. That needs to be integrated with the healthcare system and the reimbursement structure. We are excited to take advantage of these opportunities in 2024.
We are uncertain about our current position regarding the NHF and federal budgets, a challenge we face this year, especially for pharmaceutical businesses reliant on reimbursement. We await developments, like the projected growth in Poland, which will uplift our situation. Despite our late adoption of innovation, the previous government's wise decisions offer hope. Access lags behind the European average, posing a challenge to sustaining growth. The recovery fund's future is unclear, but we are committed to meeting requirements for its collection, albeit at a slower pace. Although concerns exist about fund diversion, utilizing it by 2026 will benefit the budget, fostering investment in innovation and healthcare, particularly in medical products.
EF: What are INFARMA's priorities for 2024?
MB: Our strategic goals revolve around three key areas. Firstly, we aim to enhance access to innovation in pharmaceuticals, covering not only reimbursement but also addressing diagnostic challenges and systemic barriers. Our focus extends beyond pharmaceuticals to encompass the entire healthcare system, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Secondly, maintaining strong partnerships with decision-makers and the government is crucial. Collaborative efforts are essential for effective solutions, particularly in the context of upcoming presidential elections.
Thirdly, we prioritize making investments that positively impact the Polish economy. We advocate for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the value of private enterprises. We emphasize the importance of consistency and predictability in legislation, processes, and procedures rather than seeking specific financial assistance.
Despite external challenges, including geopolitical concerns, we believe Poland's size, access to experts, and geopolitical location offer significant potential for clinical trials, shared services centers, and production. While acknowledging current conflicts, we anticipate improvements in our position, making Poland a safe and viable investment destination within the European Union. Our goal is to elevate discussions to the highest levels, integrating conversations beyond healthcare and development ministries to include the Prime Minister's Office.
EF: INFARMA represents 24 members. How do you balance the allocation of resources and the interests of each different member?
MB: Our members share a common focus on innovative, high-value medications with financing challenges. These pillars unite us at INFARMA, where we address system issues collaboratively. We prioritize effective communication with the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Development beyond our association, emphasizing the interconnectedness of healthcare, investments, and economics. Recognizing innovation as an investment cost, we advocate for its inclusion in the public insurance agenda.
While we lack comprehensive digital records, efforts are underway to improve the system, and the NHF is progressing rapidly. E-prescriptions, implemented pre-COVID, demonstrate our commitment to digital solutions, though we aspire to reach the level of pioneers like Estonia in European health data.
As discussions on Brussels and the European Health Data Space unfold, we aim to initiate conversations on the national level regarding the impact of investments on healthcare. While current discussions focus on direct costs and risk-sharing, we advocate for considering indirect costs and the holistic positive impact on the system—an ongoing challenge that will gain prominence in the coming years.
EF: Could you elaborate on any initiatives that your members are involved in?
MB: Our members conduct initiatives of multiple natures in Poland. Some are innovating with digital solutions, others are committed to Poland with clinical trials and others are leveraging Polad’s talent to provide shared service centers globally, impacting not just locally but also regionally. We are ranked 11th globally in clinical trials showcasing the effectiveness of our companies, complemented by their diverse activities. Active involvement in Poland and worldwide contributions to the healthcare ecosystem define our association's commitment.
EF: How do you envision Poland's future potential to emerge as a center of innovation in the European Union?
MB: Poland's IT industry is impressive, with advancements like e-prescriptions and a fully digital banking sector. The country's strategic location, coupled with a pool of young scientists, attracts businesses. Discussions around a central airport and emerging pharmaceutical logistics highlight Poland's growing appeal.
Despite recent challenges, Poland's improving conditions are encouraging regional offices to consider investments. Government initiatives are pivotal for a stable investment environment, with the hope that large-scale projects, including IT production, will further enhance Poland's reputation.
The MedTech sector thrives with low entry barriers, contrasting the pharmaceutical industry's complexities. Startups in biotech and MedTech contribute innovative solutions.
While potential investors may be concerned about geopolitical factors, efforts to ensure legislative predictability and rule adherence are ongoing. Poland's commitment to stability positions it as an attractive investment destination.
EF: It will shortly be your second anniversary as Infarma's Director. What are you going to celebrate?
Despite challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, industry alignment allowed positive collaboration with various businesses. Despite the absence of a government initiative for increased medicine access, a favorable trend in innovation access is observed and well-received by our businesses.
Key metrics, like the Access Gap poll and Polish Reimbursement Radar, offer valuable insights into Poland's pharmaceutical landscape, though reimbursement priorities remain undisclosed.
Our contributions to industry activities aim to support the pharma sector positively. Representing Infarma, I strive to be a constructive player, and our perceived favorable industry standing is a result of my past roles in the European Union's Pharmaceutical Group, serving the interests of Infarma and businesses in the pharmaceutical industry.
