EU drugs problem difficult
Negotiations with the EU on the question of pharmaceutical licences is proving to be difficult. Poland is requesting a five year transition period on Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPC) believing that their immediate introduction on EU entry would cause many pharmaceuticals to be taken off the shelves. Both Hungary and the Czech Republic found a solution. They allowed all of their pharmaceutical concerns but one to be taken over by foreign companies. Polish companies believe that meeting the EU’s demands could cost them USD1bn, which is the value of six months turnover in the sector.