Poland expands partial e‑prescription fulfillment as drug‑refund law changes spark industry backlash

Poland's e‑health system now lets patients fill a single e‑prescription at multiple pharmacies. The new feature, active in more than 580 pharmacies in the Lublin region, shows a map of participating outlets and allows patients to present their PESEL number, a four‑digit prescription code or a QR code from the MyIKP app. If a pharmacy lacks some medicines, the patient can obtain the available items there and complete the rest elsewhere, improving access during shortages or when a pharmacy is closed.

At the same time, the Polish government has introduced amendments to the drug reimbursement act. The changes, added at the final stage of the legislative process without prior public consultation, include a budget‑cap mechanism (CAP), requirements for directing patients to therapeutic equivalents after patent expiry, and new rules for innovative therapies. The pharmaceutical industry, represented by figures such as Joanna Makowiecka‑Gatza, president of Employers RP, has condemned the revisions, warning that they could affect both manufacturers and patients. The Ministry of Health, however, remains firm on proceeding with the reforms.