Deputy PM, Martin Jahn, proposes to cut reimbursement rate for all medications by 1-5% in the second half of 2005 as a part of a healthcare reform. Jahn also suggests abolishing reimbursements for drugs available both on prescription and OTC. In addition, the plan assumes introduction of patient’s co-payments for prescription and seeing specialists. The proposal is supported by the Finance Ministry but not Health Ministry. Reduction of reimbursements should be favourable for generic drug producers, in particular domestic - Zentiva, as they are able to supply cheaper drugs compared with licensed branded drugs.
Tomáš Gatěk , Patria Finance