Espicom's in-depth pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data for raw materials and finished products and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. Slovakia joined the EU in May 2004. The legal pharmaceutical framework is fully compliant with that of the EU and the intellectual property environment has improved. The United States Government removed Slovakia from the Special 301 Report Watch List in 2006, indicating an improved IP environment. The State Institute for Drug Control (SIDC, SUKL in Slovak) has continued to carry out inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturers (13 in 2005), in order to verify their GMP compliance. Seven inspections of foreign manufacturers were also conducted.

Slovakia is one of the better performing pharmaceutical markets in Central & Eastern Europe, helped by the presence of Zentiva, a fast-growing manufacturer of branded generic drugs. Zentiva was formed in August 2003 by the merger of the Czech company Léciva and Slovakofarma, the largest pharmaceutical company in the Slovak Republic. Zentiva manufactures around 280 preparations in 550 drug forms and focuses primarily on the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory conditions, pain, infections and diseases of the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Pharmaceutical exports grew by over 30% in both 2004 and 2005, reflecting the increased capabilities of domestic producers. Few multinationals have been attracted to the country to date, however.

Around 75% of the pharmaceutical market is supplied by imports. The value of imports increased by 6.6% in 2005. Germany and the Czech Republic were the leading suppliers in 2005, accounting for over 30% of imports.

Funding for healthcare in Slovakia is principally through the health insurance system. The Slovak healthcare system is still very much in the public sector, although the majority of pharmacies and health spas are now privately-owned. Slovakia spends around 7.2% of GDP on healthcare.