HIF with analysis of Medicines 2023–2025: strong growth in investment in innovative therapies

The Health Insurance Fund (HIF) has prepared a comprehensive analytical analysis of medicine consumption for the period 2023–2025, across the three channels through which medicines are financed in the system — Positive List A, hospital medicines and conditional budgets for medicines. The analysis shows that total consumption for medicines alone is estimated to have increased from around 8,3 to 11,1 billion denari (+33,9%), with the largest part of the growth coming from innovative and biological therapies intended for patients with the most serious diseases.

Increased investment in innovative therapies. 

Funds for medicines through conditional budgets, through which modern and biological therapies are financed, have increased by almost 80% (from 2,44 to 4,40 billion denari). The largest growth was recorded in oncology (from 1,32 to 2,40 billion denari) and in childhood diseases (growth of over 160%), and additional funds have been approved for these clinics for 2026.

Continuous availability of medicines for citizens. 

Consumption of prescription medicines through pharmacies increased by 20,7% in value, with the total volume of medicines reaching 27,3 million realised prescriptions in 2025 — an increase of 7,9% compared with 25,3 million prescriptions in 2023. This ensures continuous availability of therapies for insured persons in all regions of the country.

More rational use of antibiotics. 

For the first time, a decline in antibiotic consumption has been recorded — an encouraging signal for more rational use and for the protection of public health.

Stable and more efficient hospital procurement. 

After several years of growth, hospital procurement of medicines and medical materials stabilised in 2025, indicating improved efficiency in the spending of public funds

The HIF remains committed to a sustainable and predictable system for financing medicines — a system that ensures the availability of mass, everyday therapies for all citizens and at the same time guarantees patients access to the most advanced innovative and biological medicines. The analysis will serve as a basis for further planning and for even more efficient management of funds intended for medicines.