Benefits of investment into modern medicines in Central-Eastern European countries

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2014 Feb;14(1):71-9. doi: 10.1586/14737167.2014.868314. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Abstract

Transferability of current evidence and expressing value of innovative pharmaceuticals according to health system objectives Due to the scarcity of healthcare resources, decision-makers often expect monetary benefits--including cost savings or productivity gain--from innovative medicines. Manufacturers try to fulfill this expectation by expressing the benefits of innovative technologies in monetary units citing approaches from the scientific literature. Unfortunately, currently available evidence has limited relevance and transferability in Central-Eastern European (CEE) countries. This study aims to summarize how innovative pharmaceuticals in CEE countries may contribute to WHO-defined health system objectives, including health gain, equity in health, financial protection, responsiveness, equity in finance and financial sustainability. References in this study are also mainly based on international examples; therefore, additional policy research from CEE countries is necessary to validate assumptions. If CEE politicians can rely on credible arguments based on local research evidence, they may improve long-term strategies and policy decisions related to healthcare innovation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cost Savings
  • Decision Making*
  • Delivery of Health Care / economics
  • Efficiency
  • Europe
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Investments
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / economics*
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations