Helping patients pay for medicines

As a firm operating in the healthcare sector, Pelion is well aware of the mounting barriers in access to medicinal products. According to recent research, one in four Poles admits to not being able to fill their prescriptions for financial reasons. The problem affects particularly the elderly population - as many as 40% of senior citizens decide not to buy prescribed drugs in order to save money. Meanwhile, one of the most common causes of serious health complications among the elderly is when they discontinue treatment and do not take medicines.
Having in mind the needs of patients who find themselves in personal and financial difficulties, Pelion - acting through the Apteki Dbam o Zdrowie retail network - has implemented schemes designed to help them pay for medicines:

• The SENIOR Programme, launched in 2010 for patients aged over 75. Its participants receive special cards entitling them to claim a 25% rebate on all prescription drugs available through Apteki Dbam o Zdrowie pharmacies, up to the limit of PLN 500. The scheme has already been joined by 1,200 pharmacies all over Poland.

• The 60+ Programme, developed in October 2010 for persons aged over 60 who want to be sure that they buy their prescription drugs at attractive prices. The scheme's beneficiaries receive cards issued to their names, entitling them to buy all prescription drugs available through Apteki Dbam o Zdrowie pharmacies at affordable prices. The product offering covered by the 60+ Programme includes nearly five thousand items. The limit of co-financing is PLN 750 per patient by the end of 2011. The cards allow their holders to save up to PLN 50 a month. The scheme has been joined by more than 1,300 pharmacies all over Poland. (For more details, visit http://www.60plus.doz.pl/).

Pelion does not forget about young mothers, either. It was for them that the "Mum and Baby" Programme was rolled out in February 2010, to help young mothers look after their own health and that of their newly born babies. Special cards entitle their holders to a 25% rebate on more than 100 different products for mothers and infants, from the care, health and cosmetic categories. The promotional catalogue is updated every three months. The scheme cards are honoured by more than 1,500 Apteki Dbam o Zdrowie pharmacies all over Poland. Since July 2010, rebates have also been granted on products included in the promotional catalogue which are purchased via the on-line pharmacy www.doz.pl.
For more details, visit: http://www.doz.pl/dlamamyimalenstwa.pl  
 
The most recently developed scheme "HEALTH ENERGY" is addressed to those who want to actively look after their health. Its participants receive cards entitling them to buy selected products and cosmetics via the on-line pharmacy www.doz.pl at promotional prices. The range of medical products, cosmetics and diet supplements for physically active customers offered under the Programme is the widest in Poland. For more detailed information, visit: http://www.energiazdrowia.doz.pl