As much as a quarter of the total amount was invested in research and development, which enables patients to access the latest therapies and educates physicians about new and effective treatment methods.

During 2017, Members of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Initiative (iF!) recorded at least HRK 131.5 million* in transferred value in 2017 to healthcare organisations and healthcare professionals.

Of this amount, around HRK 58.2 million, or 44.3 percent, relates to healthcare professionals, while at least HRK 41.2 million, or 31.4 percent of the total transfer, was transferred to healthcare organisations. Last year, the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Croatia invested HRK 32 million in research and development. This is 14 percent more than in 2016 and provides further confirmation of the trust placed in Croatian physicians and healthcare institutions, given the high standards in new‑medicine research.

In line with data‑protection regulations, 14 percent of physicians voluntarily provided their data for individual publication of value‑transfer information.

Data on transfers of value to physicians and healthcare organisations were published by iF! member companies, by 30 June, in accordance with the requirements of the EFPIA Disclosure Code, which has been the practice of the innovative pharmaceutical industry for three consecutive years in as many as 33 countries. As the first industry in the world to publish value‑transfer data publicly, the innovative pharmaceutical industry thus provides an additional contribution to transparency in cooperation between the public and private sectors and ensures a better understanding of the industry’s relationships with healthcare professionals and organisations.

With the aforementioned funds, the innovative pharmaceutical industry has, for example, through sponsorships and donations, enabled the implementation of numerous useful projects by various healthcare organisations and has thereby contributed to improving public health in the Republic of Croatia. In addition to the professional development of physicians, cooperation between industry and healthcare professionals also includes participation in medical and educational meetings, where physicians provide their expertise, time, and work, for which they receive fair compensation. Research and development refer to the processes of collecting data on the efficacy and safety of specific medicines or medical procedures, and are conducted through clinical studies and collaboration with healthcare organizations, healthcare professionals, and patients. In addition to the transfer of value itself, research and development processes also provide additional value through free medicines, as well as the education of physicians on new and more effective treatment methods.