Health Investment as Key to Poland’s Future, Novartis Chief Argues

This report covers health investment as key with key details and context.

Victoria Tian, the head of Novartis Poland, has called for a fundamental shift in how healthcare spending is viewed, arguing that it should be treated as an investment in the nation’s social and economic resilience rather than a mere cost. In an interview, Tian highlighted findings from a recent report by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the WifOR Institute, which found that innovative medicines in 29 European countries generated over 66 billion euros in measurable socio-economic value. In Poland, the effect was particularly strong: each additional euro spent on innovative drugs returned 8.8 euros in socio-economic benefits.

Tian noted that Europe faces a demographic shift with an aging population and rising chronic diseases. Nearly one in three Europeans over 50 lives with at least two chronic conditions, and non-communicable diseases account for almost 90% of all deaths in Europe. This demands a shift from treating illnesses to managing health throughout life, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and modern therapies. The report shows that newer medicines reduced premature loss of life years and cut hospitalizations by nearly 21 million days across Europe.

‘Innovation is not an abstract concept,’ Tian said. ‘When patients receive an early diagnosis and effective treatment, they have a greater chance of living longer in health and independence, while the system faces lower hospitalization burdens.’ She pointed to multiple sclerosis as an example where advancements have transformed patient outcomes, allowing many to maintain employment and active lives.

The socio-economic benefits in Poland were estimated at 3.62 billion euros, encompassing not only work productivity but also social activity, care for loved ones, and reduced hospitalization costs. ‘Health is a resource that builds the strength of the entire society and economy,’ Tian emphasized. She called for a health policy focused on outcomes and patient needs, with greater emphasis on prevention, faster diagnosis, coordinated care, and bold implementation of innovation. ‘Delaying access to modern therapies does not eliminate costs; it merely shifts them to other parts of the system: hospitals, the labor market, families, and caregivers.’

Article and image source: rp.pl

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