Poland introduces new drug policy and healthcare management reforms

At the Karpacz Economic Forum, Polish health officials and academic leaders presented new strategic directions for the national healthcare system. The Ministry of Health introduced the ‘Drug Policy’ framework, aimed at increasing pharmaceutical availability and security. Key proposals include creating regulations for drug supply during wartime, simplifying the vaccination process through a ‘single window’ system, and replacing the current reimbursement budget with a multi-year financial plan for pharmacy drugs and chemotherapy programs.

To prevent the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the Ministry plans to establish a central register for drugs containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, and dextromethorphan, which will be tracked via the PESEL system. Additionally, new mandatory price caps for unique therapies and increased wholesale margins are being considered.

Parallel to these pharmaceutical changes, ten institutions—including the Warsaw School of Economics and various regional marshals—signed a declaration to prepare a report on necessary management reforms for healthcare facilities. This collaborative effort seeks to improve the efficiency of public health institutions and ensure better utilization of public funds.