Nikolina Dizdar Čehulić (Pliva): Stable Supply of Medicines and the Importance of OECD Membership

We continuously adapt our operations to the accelerated changes in the market and regulatory environment. The pharmaceutical industry today faces dynamics shaped by new regulations and directives, increased expectations from healthcare systems and patients, as well as global challenges in supply chains and rising costs.

We are monitoring discussions related to changes in pharmaceutical industry legislation at the EU level, aimed at further strengthening the pharmaceutical industry as one of the key sectors for economic development, independence, and sustainability of the EU. A balanced approach is needed that serves the interests of patients and the healthcare system, which will be achieved by strengthening pharmaceutical production in Europe to ensure a stable supply of critical medicines, enhancing digitalization, and improving a balanced approach to inventory and data exchange.

As a leading exporter to the U.S. market, we carefully monitor announcements and changes related to the introduction of tariffs on medicines and medical products so that we can respond in a timely manner and continue to operate competitively if necessary. At Pliva, we continue to implement Teva’s Turnaround strategy towards growth and are in the acceleration phase, which means we are transforming our business to invest additional resources in the segment of high-quality innovative and biosimilar medicines, modernizing the organization, and accelerating business processes with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and investment in key business activities that drive our growth.

We place special emphasis on innovation and the development of sustainable solutions that enable a secure supply of medicines to the market. We continuously invest in advanced business processes, both in the necessary infrastructure that includes the use of artificial intelligence and in the education and preparation of employees, as this is the only way to achieve the best synergistic effects. Although our investments and plans are tied to Teva’s global strategy and patient needs, rather than electoral cycles, we believe that predictability can provide a certain stability to the business sector, as any period of so-called political uncertainty can affect the speed of decision-making at the state level.

It is important to us that the regulatory framework remains clear and consistent, as this is a prerequisite for continuing efficient operations and effectively supporting the needs of healthcare systems.

Croatia’s entry into the OECD would confirm that as a country we are further strengthening our institutional and economic stability and implementing the highest standards of business and transparency. This would positively impact the overall investment climate and, consequently, the economy as a whole. We believe that Croatia’s membership in the OECD would be another step towards a stronger positioning of the country as a reliable partner in the European and global economy.