Ensuring stable access to medicines and rebuilding domestic pharmaceutical capacity will be a priority for the incoming Czech government coalition comprised of the populist party ANO, right-wing Motorists and the far-right SPD.
The health portfolio is expected to return to ANO’s Adam Vojtěch, who previously led the ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition’s programme places medicine supply, drug pricing stability and support for domestic production at the top of its health policy agenda, describing pharmaceutical security as a strategic necessity.
Vojtěch, widely seen as the coalition’s candidate for health minister, has been vocal on the issue during the election campaign. “We need to support production in the EU. We should have the pharmaceutical industry here. Europe must become more proactive,” he said in a June interview with Euractiv, warning that dependency on global supply chains has become a strategic vulnerability.
“Dependence on countries like China has become a security issue, particularly when it comes to essential medicines such as antibiotics. I see it as a serious risk,” he added.
The coalition programme pledges to ensure the availability of medicines by creating stronger national reserves and enforcing tighter controls on re-exports, a practice that has contributed to supply shortages in recent years. “Through sensible pricing policy and regulation, we will ensure that Czechia is a competitive market for manufacturers,” the coalition has stated.
Strengthening primary care
Beyond pharmaceutical security, the incoming coalition plans a focus on prevention and healthy ageing – priorities shared with the outgoing centre-right government. It is also expected to create a dedicated minister for prevention and sport, to coordinate cross-sector initiatives that promote prevention and healthy lifestyles.
The programme aims to expand the role of general practitioners and allow pharmacies to handle basic screenings. It also promises a network of emergency dental services and incentives for young doctors to work in underserved regions.
Long-term and home-based care will be strengthened, with the goal of keeping older people out of hospitals. The likely future government says it will better coordinate health and social services and expand palliative and community-based care.
Digitalisation and system reform
The coalition proposes a major digitalisation push, including shared electronic health records and wider use of telemedicine. Cybersecurity is flagged as a priority, particularly after multiple ransomware attacks on Czech hospitals.
Financially, the programme aims to give health insurers greater responsibility for planning care capacity and linking payments to outcomes rather than volume. Hospital governance would be reformed through stronger supervisory oversight and more joint procurement.
The system of specialised treatment centres will be reviewed to ensure equitable access to innovative therapies, while investments will be directed toward hospital modernisation – including construction of a new university hospital in Prague.
Talks on the future Czech governing coalition – particularly personal matters – are still ongoing and are expected to conclude by mid-December.
[VA, BM]
