News Highlights
- Effective October 1, 2025, Poland adds 50 new therapies to its reimbursement list, the largest single update in history.
- The 2025 total reaches 151 newly reimbursed therapies, marking a historic year for patient access to innovative treatments.
- Major advances for oncology, rare diseases, women’s health, and paediatric care, including a new RSV vaccine for seniors.
In a landmark move for public health, Poland’s Ministry of Health has announced its largest-ever expansion of the national drug reimbursement list, significantly boosting patient access to innovative and life-changing treatments. This October 2025 update solidifies a historic year of progress in closing the gap in healthcare access between Poland and its European neighbours .
Deputy Health Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk confirmed that this achievement is part of sustained efforts to improve the Polish healthcare system, highlighting that “this newly expanded medicines list is, above all, excellent news for patients” .
A Record-Breaking Reimbursement Package
The reimbursement list update effective October 1, 2025, is unprecedented in its scale and scope. The package includes a wide range of therapies designed to address some of the most pressing healthcare challenges .
- Oncology Focus: Nearly half of the new additions (22 therapies) are cancer treatments, including a significant number dedicated to gynaecological and breast cancers, directly addressing critical needs in women’s health .
- Beyond Cancer: The update includes 28 therapies for non-oncology conditions, covering cardiology, neurology, and other major disease areas, ensuring a broad positive impact .
- Rare Diseases: A notable emphasis has been placed on twelve new therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases, offering hope to patient groups that often face limited treatment options .
- Preventive Care: The RSV vaccine Arexvy will now be available for patients over 60 and provided free of charge to individuals over 65, introducing a new layer of preventive healthcare for older adults .
The October announcement is the fourth and largest of 2025, contributing to a yearly total that officials are calling “historic” .
“If we track the number of molecular diagnostics and therapies since 2012, there is a clear upward trend, especially in recent years. The year 2025 is historic in this regard, with as many as 151 therapies reimbursed through four separate announcements, representing the largest number in history,” said Deputy Minister Kacperczyk .
This accelerated pace is supported by a policy change that saw reimbursement lists updated quarterly in 2025, instead of every two months as was the practice in previous years, allowing for larger and potentially more efficient batches of new additions .
A Closer Look at Key Therapeutic Areas
Advancements in Women’s Health
The update includes 13 new therapies specifically targeting women’s health conditions. A standout addition is Ryeqo, the first three-component drug for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis in adult patients. This therapy will be available to women regardless of whether they are undergoing surgical or pharmacological treatment, significantly expanding the eligible population . This move aligns with the Ministry’s broader effort to implement a comprehensive model of endometriosis care, which now includes specialized reference centres .
Progress in Paediatric and Specialist Care
For the youngest patients, five new paediatric therapies have been introduced. In a significant step, the age restriction for the haemophilia drug Hemlibra has been lifted. Previously only available for children up to two years old, the ministry confirmed that “We will reimburse this drug up to the age of 18,” addressing concerns within the patient community . Officials also emphasized their commitment to improving the overall haemophilia treatment program (B.15), aiming to unify it and leverage international best practices .
This record-breaking expansion is part of a consistent pharmaceutical policy that is yielding measurable results. According to Michał Byliniak, Director General of INFARMA, data from European studies confirm that “gaps in access to modern therapies are diminishing” .
Poland has now surpassed both Hungary and Slovakia among its Visegrád Group peers. However, the country acknowledges that it remains mid-table compared to Europe as a whole, achieving an “average level” . While the number of reimbursed innovative therapies has grown, a challenge remains that 85% of these drugs are accessible only to limited patient groups, and the average wait from drug registration to reimbursement, though improving, is still among the longest in the EU .
Despite this impressive progress, systemic challenges persist. Experts point out that expanding the drug list must go hand-in-hand with improving access to diagnostics . Patients often have only “theoretical access” to innovative therapies if they face prohibitively long waits for necessary tests or their results .
The government’s commitment is also reflected in the financial sphere. The budget for 2025 plans to increase healthcare spending by approximately 16% compared to 2024, to PLN 221.7 billion . The goal is to continue this upward trajectory, aiming to increase public healthcare spending to 7% of GDP by 2027 .
Poland’s October 2025 reimbursement announcement is more than just a list of new drugs; it is a strong statement about the country’s commitment to health as a strategic investment. By focusing on oncology, rare diseases, women’s health, and paediatric care, the government is addressing critical needs and laying the foundation for a healthier society.
While challenges related to diagnostics and wait times remain, the record number of therapies reimbursed in 2025 represents a historic leap forward. For patients across Poland, this translates to fresh opportunities for treatment, a better quality of life, and a more effective healthcare system for all .
For further details on the reimbursement lists, patients are advised to consult the official announcements from the Polish Ministry of Health or speak with their healthcare providers.