This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 6/24/2019

Overview

Albania’s pharmaceutical sector includes 200 pharmaceutical warehouses, one thousand pharmacies, 210 pharmaceutical private agencies, and 42 pharmacy hospitals. Imports dominate Albania’s drug market and most major international brands are present in the country. Locally manufactured products, while growing recently, continue to account for a small share of the total market. In 2018, domestic production accounted for around 10% of market share. 

The Ministry of Health monitors the pharmaceutical industry, and all drugs must be registered with the National Agency of Drugs and Medical Equipment. The government sets profit margins for actors involved in the distribution chain for both reimbursed drugs and non-reimbursable drugs.

The Compulsory Healthcare Insurance Fund (ISKSH), which manages the public health coverage plan, includes a mix of Bismarck and Beveridge models. ISKSH develops an annual reimbursement list of drugs that will be subsidized by the government for primary and hospital healthcare. For a list of reimbursable drugs, please visit the following website.

Two drug commissions annually approve the list of drugs reimbursable by ISKSH. The commissions also define profit margins for importers and secondary distributors, as well as pharmacies. For more information, please visit Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

In 2018, Albanian imports under chapter 30, “pharmaceutical products,” reached USD 220 million. Generic drugs are popular in the market due to their lower prices.
 

Leading Sub-Sectors

•              Drugs
•              OTS and Food Supplements
 

Opportunities

Pharmaceuticals that treat cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are expected to rise in demand. U.S. suppliers might also consider the pharmaceutical market for vitamins and minerals. The market for food supplements is also under-developed and represents additional opportunities for U.S. exporters.
 

Web Resources

Compulsory Health Insurance Fund

Ministry of Health

List of Reimbursable Drugs

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