Drug Prices Soaring in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic's drug regulator, SUKL, has indicated that price rises in the country are soaring as the country's market increasingly integrates with the European Union (EU). Although per capita consumption saw only a slight rise and was largely in line with the EU average, at 32 packs, sales in value terms grew sharply in 2004.

The increase amounted to some CZK170 (US$6.87), implying total spending in the year of some CZK56bn (US$2.26bn). Roughly 73% of this total was reimbursed by national health insurance agency.

In April, SUKL noted that drug spending in the Czech Republic had reached record levels. The agency noted that the OTC and partially reimbursable market accounted for 20% of total spending in 2004, as some OTC medicines are eligible for 15% reimbursement by the country's health insurance system.