Pharmaceutical policies in Finland: challenges and opportunities

Health systems are under continuous pressure to meet the demands of their populations. In Finland, one area currently under review is that of pharmaceutical policy. Following a request made by the Health Department, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (MSAH), this report provides a policy review of the regulatory system of pharmaceutical policies in Finland. Our assessment suggests that despite the challenges within a very developed system of pharmaceutical regulation, there are practical options to improve transparency and pricing policies, to strengthen the institutional environment and to improve the development of pharmacotherapy practices. The purpose of this report is not to provide prescriptive solutions but to suggest a range of options for policy-makers to reflect on so as to assist them in the process of policy review. This report offers a range of views from an international perspective and it is intended that this study might stimulate further debate on the continuing development of pharmaceutical policies.