For 45 years, GSK has been a partner of the Polish economy. What specifically is the company’s importance to the Polish economy and what does it set apart?
The company established its inaugural branch in Poland when I was child. Forty five years is quite a slice of history. Initially, our focus lay in the production of pharmaceuticals, which were exported to 140 markets across the globe. As the company expanded and underwent global transformations, the decision was made to diversify beyond pharmaceutical manufacturing exclusively. Presently, the factory is under the ownership of another company, but I take pride in being part of the organisation that chose not to shut the facility down. Instead, we endeavoured to entice another investor to invest in Poland. Consequently, we continue to manufacture medicines in Poland for export to numerous international markets. Today, our endeavours extend to various facets of our business, including the establishment of hubs – global competence centres. We presently operate six such hubs situated in Warsaw and Poznań, encompassing areas like technology, finance, procurement, and, crucially, research and development, which holds immense importance in the pharmaceutical industry.
Collectively, our hubs employ around 2,000 specialists who fuse science, technology, and talent daily to pioneer innovative medicines and vaccines for our patients. Additionally, we operate a distribution and logistics centre near Poznań, facilitating the dispatch of medicines and vaccines to multiple markets within the European Union. Altogether, more than 2,500 individuals are employed within GSK’s operations in Poland across a range of roles. We are delighted to contribute to the transfer and advancement of modern technology. Having been rooted here for 45 years, we aspire to continue our presence well into the future.
With such extensive and diverse operations within Poland, GSK aspires to be a collaborative partner in the Polish economy, encompassing contributions through taxes, employment opportunities, and knowledge transfer (which benefits not only innovative enterprises but also others). In a span of just one year, we were able to expand our workforce by 750 individuals, primarily in the area of research and development. It has been estimated that each job within GSK’s structures leads to the creation of three more positions in other Polish companies, thereby fostering a positive impact on the economy.
Which therapeutic areas are key for GSK in Poland?
One of our primary focuses lies in oncology medications. I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Health for engaging in dialogue that, despite challenging negotiations, led to the availability of a crucial drug for patients with endometrial cancer starting from 1 September. Additionally, we offer respiratory medicines, medications to assist patients with HIV and AIDS, as well as specialised drugs designed for conditions like severe asthma.
Vaccination is also a pivotal aspect of our efforts. We are currently emphasising the importance of vaccines not only for children but also for adults. It’s akin to the airplane safety message, “In case of emergency, put your own masks on first before assisting your children”. As adults, we often overlook the necessity of our own vaccinations.
