HEALTH COMES FIRST

Health

Comes First

ANA GOVEDARICA Vice President Spokesperson of the Foreign Investors Council and Roche General Manager

During COVID-19 and in the post-COVID-19 world, better healthcare systems are more important than ever. The main thing that the state has to deal with in the period ahead is digitalisation and data. Furthermore, when it comes to the pharma industry, it is of great importance for the state to define its needs and plans as soon as possible, to show how they expect our help and support

The issues of the economy and health have never before been connected so closely. With COVID-19 still lingering around and looming over us, we asked FIC Vice President Spokesperson and Roche General Manager Ana Govedarica about areas where the FIC could be of assistance to the Serbian Government in responding to the challenges of economic recovery as it relates to healthcare.

“Investments in healthcare cannot be decreased despite expected economic challenges, on the contrary, they must be greater than ever,” says our interlocutor. “This pandemic has shown how important it is to have a resilient and efficient healthcare system, and how sensitive society is in the case that system doesn't function right. It is well known that additional investments to secure more efficient treatment result in serious savings. Analysis of even medium-developed countries has de monstrated that it is justified to invest in a brand new therapy, despite the initial costs perhaps seeming high. Simply, every investment in an efficient healthcare system yields returns to society through multiple benefits, and also in other places both within and beyond the healthcare system. A balance needs to be established between investing in infrastructure and new therapies as soon as possible, especially because innovative medicines – along with the development of new flexible & dynamic financing models based on treatment outcomes – will improve patients' lives significantly. For example, if a healthcare fund only pays a producer for those medicines that resulted in an expected positive effect there is no risk to the payer. Moreover, investments should be directed towards the benefit for patients being the greatest.

► How satisfied are you with the progress achieved in the

activities of the FIC working group with the Government of Serbia? What motivated you to include the health minister in consultations?

– The FIC recognised the pharma industry as an important stakeholder in the healthcare system, and the Pharma Industry Committee was established as a result. The main aim of this sector-specific Committee is to promote necessary reforms to the health sector and health insurance, and to advocate for the full harmonisation of legislation with the EU and the

BENEFITS Every investment in an efficient healthcare system yields returns to society through multiple benefits, and also in other places both within and beyond the healthcare system

DIALOGUE Intensive dialogue between the Government and business communities is of the utmost importance if we want to build a sound business climate and contribute to the growth of the entire society

TRANSPARENCY It is crucial to maintain and increase the transparency of the process of supplying medicines, as well as the stability of payments to suppliers

removal of legislative obstacles. The main priorities, as defined national economy against new challenges coming from in the Committee programme for 2018-2020, are: Allocation the internal and external markets? of additional financial resources for new drugs/indications – During COVID-19 and in the post-COVID-19 world, better reimbursements; Clear reimbursement criteria setting coupled healthcare systems are more important than ever. The main with transparent decision-making process based upon them thing that the state has to deal with in the period ahead is and completed within timelines determined by legislation; digitalisation and data. The whole future is centred around ALIMS to accelerate and simplify drug registration; Active data, which will carry us to efficient healthcare. participation in changes of the relevant laws and by-laws. When it comes to the pharma industry, it is of great

A positive trend is the introdu importance for the state to de ction of Manage Entry Agreements fine its needs and plans as soon between the NHIF and pharmace as possible, to show how they utical companies, the quantificatiexpect our help and support... on of funds required to place new This is of additional importance medicines on the Reimbursement if we consider that the majority List, in the process of normatively of the pharmaceutical industry resolving the issue of debts owed operates within large internatio by some state institutions. nal companies, so it is important

What is crucial for the coming for local teams to set priorities period is steady funding for medi for Serbia as soon as possible, cines, while expanding indications and as clearly as possible. through a special-purpose transfer of budget funds to the NHIF and ► Are you satisfied with the resolving the issue of settling old quality of the public dialogue debts towards wholesalers. linked to the crisis and what Intense communication with the authorities in preparing the White After the health minister was do you see as the FIC's greatest contribution in this regard? Book is of great importance, because included in the activities of – COVID-19 has put the entire world by exchanging information we reach realistic solutions based on facts. the FIC working group with in an unenviable situation. When you have to walk through fog, mistakes

By including the Minister of Health the Government, we noticed the and poor assessments are possible. in this process, we have noticed the sta te’s greater understanding and greater efficiency for the difficulties that should state’s greater understanding for the difficulties that should Therefore, public dialogue is of utmost importance, in order to create a better community for all of us. be resolved. be resolved The FIC can contribute by pointing ► How will the experience gained by as by transferring experiences that companies in organising work during the COVID-19 outbre companies have gained on other markets.

ak impact on the FIC's action plans in the period ahead?

out threats and opportunities, as well

– Working in the conditions of pandemics has defined a new ► Considering the FIC's experience in working with “normal”. In accordance with that, the FIC must adapt its plans the government, what would you recommend to the to new needs and companies' challenges, but also to develop new cabinet when it comes to cooperating with the some skills like working on virtual platforms, changes in business community? communication, the organisation of business etc. – Intensive dialogue between the Government and business communities is of the utmost importance if we want to build ► Which essential topics related to reforms should be a sound business climate and contribute to the growth of addressed again in order to improve the resilience of the the entire society. ■