Czech addiction policy may soon stand at a crossroads. While our country is considered an example of best practice in harm reduction within the European Union, there is a risk that this approach may weaken in the future. Therefore, the Institute for Mental Health and Addiction Studies, the Anglo-American University, and the Institute for Rational Addiction Policy have decided to organize an expert roundtable aimed at strengthening support for an economically rational approach to prevention and harm reduction.
Problems associated with addictive behavior represent an enormous financial burden for Czech society. According to current estimates, these problems cost between 60 and 100 billion Czech crowns annually. International studies clearly demonstrate that well-designed and implemented policies based on harm reduction principles could save the budget and public health insurance tens of billions of crowns.
Although the principle of risk reduction has been included in the policy statements of both previous and current governments, according to some experts, “everything still remains only on paper.” The current approach to legal addictive substances requires strengthened implementation and systematic support for preventive measures.
Expert Roundtable Invitation
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Anglo-American University, Letenská 120/5, Prague
The main objective of this expert meeting is to create a clear and professionally consensual appeal that emphasizes that prevention and harm reduction are not only scientifically validated strategies but also represent economically rational decisions for health insurance companies and the entire public health system.
The discussion will focus on concrete steps to:
- Transform the current state of addiction policy
- Reduce societal costs
- Increase public health efficiency
- Limit the negative impacts of addiction on individuals and society
Agenda
The roundtable will be moderated by Radek Soběhart, Director of Research at Anglo-American University in Prague.
09:30 – 10:00 | Registration, morning coffee and refreshments
10:00 – 10:30 | Opening remarks and keynote speeches
- Mgr. Jindřich Vobořil, Pg.Dip. – Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rational Addiction Policy think tank, former National Drug Coordinator
- Ing. Miroslav Jankůj, Ph.D. – Head of Outpatient Healthcare Facilities Department, Healthcare Reimbursement Department, General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic
10:30 – 11:30 | Speaker presentations and panel discussion
- Ing. Michael Fanta, Ph.D. – Chief Analyst, Center for Economic and Market Analysis
- PhDr. Ladislav Csémy – President of the Institute for Mental Health and Addiction Studies, psychologist working in the addiction research program at the National Institute of Mental Health
- Ing. Jana Michailidu, Ph.D. – Addiction Policy Advisor, Ministry of Justice and Director of Expert Section, Institute for Rational Addiction Policy
11:30 – 11:45 | Discussion, audience questions and closing remarks
11:45 – 12:30 | Refreshments and networking
This roundtable represents an opportunity to open a broader professional discussion about modern preventive and regulatory approaches that are crucial for the economic sustainability of the healthcare system. The participation of leading experts from healthcare, economics, and public administration ensures a comprehensive perspective on the issue and the possibility of creating concrete recommendations for practice.
The Czech Republic has the opportunity to maintain its leadership position in harm reduction within the EU, but only if it can transform theoretical knowledge and political declarations into concrete, systematically supported steps. The upcoming roundtable aims to contribute to this goal.
