The healthcare distribution sector in Poland has undergone considerable changes in recent years with consolidation and privatization driving change and leading wholesale players maximising national reach and market share.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is boosting the evolution of the pharma supply chain in Poland with the aim to improve access to medication for Polish citizens. With the loan of circa €47mn allocated to Pelion S.A., the largest healthcare business in the country, the EBRD provides financial support for the company’s further market expansion and business portfolio development.

Pelion’s key areas of involvement are wholesale, retail, hospital supplies and logistics services. It is looking to expand its retail operations, improve its green credentials, strengthen its e-commerce capabilities and support the launch of new innovative medicines.

Pharma wholesale players in Poland are facing multiple changes including continued healthcare system underfunding, complex reimbursement procedures, pressure on margins and digitalization.

Healthcare distribution companies in Poland are also operating in increasingly complex regulatory environment as they must comply with the European Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) legislation. Some of the important implications include the need for considerable software investment, training of the personnel, updating business processes to meet new batch tracking requirements.

For further information, please contact Jane Smith at Grove Group Pharmaservices janesmith@groveonline.com or visit our website www.groveonline.com