Session (CTI)

**Issue** Healthcare systems across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) face increasing pressure to provide access to innovative therapies while operating within constrained budgets and ageing populations. Current procurement and financing models are often focused on short-term cost control and annual budget cycles, which may not adequately capture the long-term value of innovation, prevention, improved adherence, and better patient outcomes. As the costs of novel therapies continue to rise, policymakers, payers, and industry stakeholders are increasingly questioning whether existing financing mechanisms can sustain equitable access to innovation. Can CEE healthcare systems continue to afford innovation under current procurement and financing approaches, or are broader reforms necessary to ensure long-term sustainability? **Overview** This issue panel will bring together perspectives from payers, industry, and health system experts to debate whether existing healthcare financing and procurement models are fit for the future. The discussion will examine how European healthcare systems can balance financial sustainability with timely patient access to innovation, and whether current reimbursement and procurement approaches adequately reward long-term health outcomes. Particular attention will be given to the challenges posed by demographic change, increasing demand for healthcare services, rising costs of innovative therapies, and limited public resources. Each panelist will deliver a 10–15-minute presentation outlining their perspective, followed by an interactive discussion with the audience. Moderated by Izabela Pieniazek (Certara), the debate will encourage participants to challenge assumptions, compare experiences across healthcare systems, and identify practical solutions that could help CEE countries maintain access to innovation while ensuring long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.