Medicines wholesale prices continued to decline in 2012, following the trend prevailing throughout the 2000s. According to the index published by Statistics Finland, medicines wholesale prices were down 1.1 per cent in 2012 whereas the general price level was up 2.8 per cent during the same period. The decrease was particularly marked in reimbursable medicines. In pharmaceutical contexts, 'wholesale price' refers to the share accounted for by the pharmaceutical company and wholesaler in the medicine retail price.

According to Pharma Industry Finland PIF, the working group for the reform of the medicines reimbursement system had some good proposals in their report recently handed over to Minister Paula Risikko. However, there was potential for more. The reimbursement system took a step to the right direction as the initial patient co-payment and the decrease in the medicines expense ceiling target the support at those who need many medicines. However, the proposal falls short of the objectives because it does not help to keep up the Finnish healthcare system with the international progress. The further development work proposed by the working group must be launched rapidly, implementing it in collaboration with the pharmaceutical branch operators.

Jussi Merikallio, General Manager of Pharma Industry Finland PIF, finds that medical research - and pharmaceutical research as its integral part – can constitute an important footing for Finland’s future growth. Published on 21 November 2012, PIF's survey crystallises six factors to unleash the growth potential of pharmaceutical research in Finland.