February 2023 – The Czech Competition
Authority has concluded its sector inquiry into the distribution of
pharmaceuticals in the Czech Republic, with a focus on the impact
of direct distribution systems on competition.
The inquiry found that the direct-to-pharmacy/direct-to-hospital
(DTP/DTH) systems in the country only cover a limited range of
medicinal products, accounting for roughly 9% in quantity and
27-30% in financial terms. The Authority determined that the
priority of ensuring the availability of medicines for patients
outweighs any potential negative effects these systems might have
on competition. The primary purpose of these systems should be to
ensure the supply of medicinal products to patients.
