Q: How do you see the current state of healthcare systems in Europe, and what are the biggest challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry today?
A: European healthcare systems are at a turning point. The EU continues to provide a high standard of care and is making strong progress in innovation, but access to these innovations is not uniform. Between countries, and even within them, there are significant differences in the speed with which patients can access new therapies. This is particularly challenging in smaller countries and those with lower GDPs, where delays in including medicines on reimbursement lists and infrastructure limitations slow down the uptake of therapies. At the same time, population ageing and the rise of chronic diseases are placing additional pressure on the system, while defense and security spending are squeezing public finances. Due to these budgetary pressures, many countries are turning to short‑term cost‑cutting instead of sustainable solutions that rely on the smart adoption of innovations and long‑term improvements. The time has come for a clear strategic decision in healthcare: do we want to become an innovation‑driven force again?
Q: How are these trends reflected on the Croatian market?
A: Croatia spends less on healthcare and medicines than most EU countries, both as a share of GDP and per capita. Health expenditure amounts to about 7.6–7.8% of GDP,1 which is below the EU average (10%) and lower than in neighbouring countries such as Slovenia (9.1%) and Hungary (7.9%).1 Budgetary constraints heavily shape decisions on including medicines on reimbursement lists and slow down access to innovative therapies.
Q: What are the main challenges AbbVie faces in bringing innovative therapies to Croatian patients?
A: Investing in innovative therapies delivers high value for money and transforms the lives of Croatian patients. Health‑system spending must be prioritised thoughtfully, starting from the understanding that healthcare is not a cost but a strategic investment that strengthens economic resilience, supports a competitive workforce, and fosters national innovation potential. Pharmaceutical innovations should be recognised as strategic assets that prevent and treat disease, reduce mortality, and improve quality of life – while generating measurable economic benefits.
From an industry perspective, the key challenge is the unpredictable and slow pathway to market. Delays in including medicines on reimbursement lists can significantly complicate planning, while it remains essential that patients who need treatment receive it in a timely manner.2 By establishing a transparent, value‑based market‑access model that rewards innovations according to proven treatment outcomes, Croatia can accelerate access to care and ensure timely availability of therapies.
Q: What would be appropriate measures to achieve the desired outcomes?
A: The first step is to make a strategic and well‑considered decision to increase public funding and investment in healthcare with two objectives: (1) improve the quality of life of Croatian patients and (2) create a suitable ecosystem for the development and diffusion of innovations. Once funding is secured, it is necessary to establish a predictable and transparent market‑access system so that resources are spent efficiently. This does not mean only better access to innovations, but also better access to prevention, early diagnosis, and patient health literacy. Alongside a focus on innovation, clear and consistent rules would shorten the time to medicines listing and the introduction of new indications. A purpose‑driven market‑access approach is needed – one that reflects the real social and economic value of innovations, which will be visible in improved patient quality of life, stronger public health, and better socio‑economic indicators in Croatia.
Q: How do you see the role of innovation in the healthcare industry?
A: The development and application of new medicines directly improve public health, increase workforce productivity, and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. These effects are measurable and translate into Croatia’s economic performance. Pharmaceutical innovations should be recognised as strategic assets that, over the long term, drive economic growth, boost productivity, and strengthen social resilience. It is important that employers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers understand that investing in the health of the population is not only a public good, but a prerequisite for economic stability and national wellbeing. A healthy population is the foundation for value creation, economic development, and improved quality of life.
Q: What are the key priorities for improving healthcare in Europe?
A: Europe has the potential to once again become a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative medicines, but to achieve this it must respond more quickly and decisively to geopolitical shifts through clear policies and targeted investments. Sustainable increases in public spending on innovative therapies and reforms to pricing and market‑access systems, so that access is faster, more predictable, and fair, are crucial priorities. It is equally important to view innovation as a long‑term strategic investment rather than merely a cost. By strengthening the business environment and systematically involving industry expertise in policy‑making, Europe can enhance its competitiveness and economic growth, while prioritising timely access to new medicines will directly improve public health and economic security. Implementing these measures will further increase Europe’s attractiveness for pharmaceutical investment, research, and manufacturing, and help reposition it as an innovation powerhouse on the global stage.
Literature:
- OECD (2025), Health at a Glance 2025: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/8f9e3f98-en. Accessed: 10.12.2025.
- OECD/European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (2025), Country Health Profile 2025: Croatia. State of Health in the EU, OECD Publishing, Paris/European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Brussels.
