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10-01-2023

Reimbursement decisions helped to improve the health of more than 45,000 patients

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The Commission for Reimbursement of Medicinal Products and Medical Aids, acting within the Ministry of Health, in 2022 has made 13 final decisions regarding the inclusion of medicines and medical aids in the lists of reimbursed medicines. These and other decisions related to improved access to medicines have contributed to improving the health of more than 45 thousand patients.  

According to Alina Sakalauskiene, Chairwoman of the Commission, new medicinal products are constantly being created to treat various diseases, therefore, in order to maximize the benefits for patients, it is necessary to review and update the lists of reimbursed medicinal products, including the addition of new medicinal products, as well as to expand the conditions of prescribing medicinal products and medical aids that are already in the reimbursement system.

“For some time, the evaluation processes for medicinal products have been interrupted due to a lack of human and administrative resources, but last year we were able not only to restore the evaluation process, but also to take decisions on the much-awaited medicinal products and medical aids, by bringing together a team of competent experts for the work of the Commission. More than 45 thousand patients have already benefited from these decisions and have been able to benefit from the reimbursements”, said the Chairwoman.  

The Commission, which consists of representatives delegated by the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Fund, university hospitals, non-governmental organizations representing patients and family doctors, and research and study institutions, held 25 meetings in 2022, during which 13 decisions were taken on the inclusion of medicinal products and medical aid in the reimbursement lists. Among the medicines, there were some that were highly anticipated by patients. These are medicines for oncological diseases (e.g., breast, lung, prostate cancer, melanoma), multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. Out of the 13 decisions taken, 3 medicines were added to the reimbursement lists from the Reserve Medicines List. Around EUR 27 million is foreseen for the reimbursement of these medicines over the next five years.  

In addition to these decisions, the Commission has also made other decisions to improve access to medicinal products and medical aids for better chronic disease control, pain management and prevention of serious cardiovascular diseases. Around EUR 10 million from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund has been allocated to implement them.

The Commission examines the applications received, the evaluation reports, the recommendations and takes decisions on whether or not to propose the inclusion of a medicinal product or medical aid in the reimbursement lists. The Commission also proposes to determine and modify the conditions for prescribing medicinal products or medical aids. Upon receipt of an application for inclusion in the reimbursement system, a comprehensive clinical and economic evaluation of the medicinal product is carried out by the State Medicines Control Agency.

Press Office of Ministry of Health

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Last updated: 23-02-2023

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