Implementation Of Pharma Forum Recommendations To Be Combined With Better Regulation Principles, Europe

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 02 Oct 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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The implementation of the recommendations of the Pharma Forum - adopted today at the final Plenary Meeting - should take well into account the specifics of non-prescription medicines and the situation of the numerous small and medium-sized companies in this market. Reminding the high level representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the importance of responsible self-care, AESGP President Hans van Zoonen stressed that "the Pharma Forum's recommendations should be implemented with the better regulation principles in mind".

Particularly important is the lifting of all price controls for manufacturers of medicines not reimbursed by the State or social security bodies. The envisaged measures against counterfeiting of medicines are in general welcome by AESGP but should recognise the particular situation of non-prescription medicines and not lead to new regulatory requirements which cannot be justified from a public health perspective.

The AESGP President also drew attention to the recently launched AESGP proposals for the future regulation of self-care entitled "Smart Regulation 2015" which would allow the establishment of a more efficient regulatory system for non-prescription medicines. The implementation of these principles should be combined with joint efforts to strengthen the role of self-care products in the European healthcare system.

Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP)