Polish health officials confirm no termination of free medication for children and seniors, even as the ministry seeks to trim the drug list and save over 10 billion zł.
Proposed Cuts to Free Drug Lists
According to PAP reports, the Ministry of Health sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance in October proposing corrections to the list of free drugs to save approximately 10.4 billion zł.
Vice‑Minister Reassures No Restrictions for Seniors and Children
On Monday, December 15, Vice‑minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk assured that the Ministry does not plan to limit the availability of free drugs for seniors and children.
The ministry will analyze the lists for potential duplicates, stressing that “the lists must be shaped in a wise and sensible manner.”
New Therapies Added to the Reimbursement List
The Ministry of Health issued a notice that 24 modern therapies—nine oncological, 15 non‑oncological, and eight for rare diseases—will be added to the reimbursement list.
Seventeen of these therapies fall under drug programmes; seven are in the pharmacy reimbursement category. One highly innovative therapy will be funded through the TLI sub‑fund.
Generics to Enter Reimbursement Framework in 2026
From January 1 , 2026, the first generic equivalents of original drugs will be reimbursed across all reimbursement categories.
The ministry says this will increase patient access and reduce costs, enabling new therapies and expanding the number of reimbursed drugs.
Vice‑minister Kacperczyk added that “all equivalents have the same efficacy and bioequivalence as the original drugs.”
Additional Information on Medication
Further information about drugs can be found in the article “Niepokojące skutki uboczne preparatów na odchudzanie. Są pierwsze odszkodowania.”
