SWOT ανάλυση της ελληνικής φαρμακευτικής αγοράς
A SWOT analysis of the Greek pharmaceutical market
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Subject
Φαρμακευτική πολιτική -- Ελλάδα ; Φαρμακευτική βιομηχανία και εμπόριο -- Κυβερνητική πολιτική -- Ελλάδα ; Φάρμακα -- Τιμές -- Δίκαιο και νομοθεσία -- Ελλάδα ; Φαρμακευτική βιομηχανία και εμπόριο -- Οικονομικές απόψεις ; Pharmaceutical policy -- Greece ; Pharmaceutical industry -- Government policy -- Greece ; Pharmaceutical industry -- Economic aspects ; Drugs -- Prices -- Law and legislation -- GreeceAbstract
This study analyzes the current information available about the Greek pharmaceutical industry in order to conduct a SWOT Analysis. The purpose of this strategic analysis is to generate a discussion on what can be done to increase its profitability, to achieve suitable market positions and to gain competitive advantages. First of all, the basic characteristics of the pharmaceutical market and the trends that appear in the global pharmaceutical industry are analyzed in order to understand the current operating environment. The pharmaceutical market has special characteristics like information asymmetry, agency relationship, supplier-induced demand and lack of consumer sovereignty. Price controls and reimbursement policies are a source of much contention between the governments and the pharmaceutical industry and they vary between countries. As part of the European Union, the Greek pharmaceutical market is governed by European Union directives concerning pharmaceutical regulations and registration. Regarding patent protection and intellectual property rights, the Greek policy follows a similar pattern to other member states and is monitored by the National Organization of Medicines. The main strength’s of the Greek pharmaceutical sector are the increasing profitability, the high capital investment, the technological sophistication and the well educated personnel. The industry remains highly valued and it has a favorable market position with strong financial make-up. The low level of R & D spending and the focus of domestic production on generics are significant weaknesses for the Greek pharmaceutical industry. On the other hand, threats and opportunities are assessed. As new technologies and bodies of scientific knowledge emerge, whole new sets of opportunities and threats are being introduced. Greece’s geographical position, incentives to conduct R & D, the increasing demand for lifestyle drugs and the achievements of biotechnology provide a range of opportunities for the development of the Greek pharmaceutical sector. Pharmaceutical spending in Greece has experienced high levels of growth in recent years, making it the highest spending country per capita in Central and Eastern Europe. However the most pertinent threat to increased spending is the accumulation of debts within the hospital sector. Finally, the high level of legislative and regulatory control and the unstable business environment are considered to be important threats that restrict the pharmaceutical sector’s dynamism.