MEPs And Industry Debate Shared Commitment To Deliver 21st Century Healthcare Systems In Times Of Crisis

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 03 Nov 2009 - 21:00 PST

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European policymakers and the pharmaceutical industry need to work collaboratively to ensure the current financial crisis does not stand in the way of delivering healthcare systems fit for the 21st century. Representatives of EFPIA, the voice of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe, and MEPs involved in healthcare issues discussed a common agenda to shape the future of healthcare in Europe.

Speaking in the European Parliament at a meeting entitled "Towards a healthier Europe," together with Mme Françoise Grossetête, MEP, Mr. Arthur J. Higgins, President of EFPIA and CEO of Bayer HealthCare said; "Our healthcare systems will not be sustainable in the face of Europe's financial and demographic crisis, unless they are subject to radical reform. The European pharmaceutical industry is fully committed to work with governments and other stakeholders to ensure we can avoid a crisis in healthcare and instead develop healthcare systems that are fit for the 21st century".

Mme Grossetête added; "This is a time of considerable challenges for Europe and its citizens. Our healthcare systems and policies must be able to respond accordingly. We will ensure the European Parliament plays its full part in making the correct response a priority for the benefit of Europe's citizens and patients."

The EFPIA Vision for the future of the healthcare, presented by Mr. Higgins, is a shared commitment to fostering health and is based on three key objectives: ensuring early and equal patient access to the best and safest medicines in Europe; creating modern, efficient and sustainable healthcare systems and supporting innovation and medical progress.

With patient safety a key element of the industry's vision, EFPIA also presented the pilot for a new coding and identification system, as part of their contribution to protecting patients from the threat of counterfeit medicines. EFPIA urged the European Parliament to ensure the speedy adoption of the Commission's draft Directive on counterfeit, part of the so-called pharmaceutical package, and to adopt the necessary measures to ensure package integrity.

Source
EFPIA