Cost of medication in the Czech Republic--causes of growth in costs and solution proposals
Zigová, Z.
Vnitrni Lekarstvi 53(6): 760-774
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-773X PMID: 17702137 Document Number: 613714
The costs of medication represent a great part of total health costs in the Czech Republic. In the sphere of drugs, as in other segments of the health sector in this country, constant pressure is put on the growth in expenditure irrespective of the actual growth of the economy. The article is a reaction to the paper by Adam Z et al, Improvement in the results of treatment of selected blood diseases and changes in the costs of such treatment Issues for economists and other experts. The article presents data on the trend towards a growth of costs in the health sector and the causes of such a trend, with special focus on expenditure for expensive cancer drugs. Also included are proposals for financing options for cancer drugs. Rather than to make a direct recommendation for Czech health policy, the author's intention is to provoke discussion about the options for a sustainable system of Czech drug policy financing.