Health Ministry Concludes Negotiations on New Drugs Policy, Agreement Reached

Bratislava, 23 April (TASR) - The Health Ministry has concluded cross-sector negotiations on a new drugs policy, the result of which is an agreement that will enable innovative medicines to enter the system more rapidly and thereby make it easier for patients to access modern and effective treatment. "The new drugs policy also introduces measures aimed at reducing illegal re-exports and ensuring that critically scarce medicines are available," the ministry has posted on social media. It added that the bill is now heading for discussion by the Economic and Social Council and will be subsequently submitted to the government session in early May. According to the ministry, representatives of patient organisations, all the health-insurance companies and professional and expert bodies have expressed appreciation for the broad space provided for expressing comments and constructive discussions. ko/df