The World Bank is in the process of finalizing the important reforms in BiH, supported by its program of budgetary support. These reforms include significant reform in the pharmaceutical sector, which includes the adoption of the revised Regulations on Medicines, which is determining the maximum prices of medicines.
Team Leader of World Bank for the project of health care of Southeast Europe, Timothy Johnston, said that it is a standard policy throughout the Europe and the region, and that it is something that is regulated in BiH at the state level.
“It is pretty simple, although it is done in different ways in different countries. Basically, it determines procedures for ensuring that the maximum wholesale price of prescription drugs in BiH is not higher than the average price in countries in the region,” explained Johnston, adding that the majority of BiH citizens probably already know that they are paying for drugs in average more than in neighboring countries.
“It would brought savings of about 56 million EUR to BiH, which includes the savings that the country would realize through payment of health insurance funds, as well as citizens, when paying medicines from their pocket,” explained Johnston.
Therefore, emphasizes Johnston, the World Bank believes that this is an important reform because, it would not only bring savings to citizens, but it would also made drugs more available to the population.
The World Bank, according to him, sees that, in general, there is commitment to the implementation of the reform of the overall health care sector as part of the reform agenda in BiH, and it will provide the support, both in terms of expert advice and financial support.
(Source: klix.ba)
