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Unfortunately, in 2022, an average of 70% of the 1255 oncology patients who need newer medicines paid for by the state will not receive them. What to do?
It must be admitted that in the annual report of the European Federation of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Association (EFPIA) on the availability and reimbursement of innovative medicines for the period 2017-2020 (Patients WAITIndicator 2021), Latvia ranks a few higher positions at the European level than before.
As of 1 January this year, 160 new medicines were registered in Europe from 2017 to 2020, of which 28 are available to Latvian patients. Of the 160 newer generation medicines, 147 were available during the reporting period, compared to a European average of 74. In addition, Germany ranks first in terms of how long patients have to wait for access to a new medicine, with a waiting time of 133 days. Although not yet ideal, patients in Latvia have reduced the time they have to wait for the latest medicines since their approval and registration in Europe – it has shrunk from more than 900 days to 627.
However, although oncology is one of Latvia’s priorities, out of 41 innovative medicines that were invented in the period 2017-2020. In Latvia, only 6 are available, while in Lithuania 7 and in Estonia – 9, Latvia lags behind the European average by almost 4 times. Unfortunately, 83% of new registered medicines are not available to oncology patients in Latvia, moreover, 2% of them are only available privately. Only oncology patients in Kazakhstan are still in the worst position for us, where 95% of innovative medicines are not available. However, the situation could change by analyzing the additional funding allocated for this year in the amount of more than 20 million euros, which will definitely improve the situation in Latvia in the next report.
Unfortunately, already this year, 874 oncology patients who need innovative drugs for their treatment will have to pay for it themselves or ask for help from their peers, while in 2023, 2028 new patients will need funds to treat cancer.
The data of the reporting period show that oncology patients in Latvia wait 927 days or 2.5 years after new drugs, although this group of patients should get to more effective drugs as soon as possible.
What to do? A systematic increase in funding is the only way to facilitate access to innovative medicines so that Latvia can finally move closer to at least the European average, making it clear that it is doing its utmost to improve the health and quality of life of the population. In recent years, intensive and active work has been invested in order for Latvia to be able to provide its patients with ever newer medicines in the largest possible amount and in the shortest possible time.
The number of innovative medicines on the list of reimbursable medicines has tripled in the last three years, so progress must not be stopped.
According to the information gathered by the National Health Service and the set priorities, an indicative amount of 99 million euros is needed for 2023, which would be used to include new medicines and increase reimbursement, increase reimbursement of medical devices, treatment of rare diseases, inclusion of new diagnoses, increase of unique patients cover existing diagnoses and reduce patient co-payments.
We must do everything we can to ensure that the patient expects the best possible solution for his or her situation, recognizing that the state needs every citizen.
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