In a compelling joint appeal, 12 leading public health organizations across five European Union member states are urgently calling upon prospective Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to prioritize and ensure access to affordable medicines for all EU citizens.
The timing of this call is critical, with the upcoming European Parliament elections slated for June 6 to 9, 2024. These organizations are urging both re-elected and new MEPs to champion measures that will counter the rising challenges associated with the accessibility and affordability of medical products within the EU.
The crux of the issue lies in the escalating costs of new medicines, rendering them financially out of reach for many patients—either due to high out-of-pocket expenses or the burden placed on national health budgets when reimbursed. The current landscape favors pharmaceutical companies, granting them monopoly rights and allowing exorbitant pricing practices even for medicines developed with public funding.
Two Dutch health organizations, Wemos and Health Action International (HAI), spearheaded this clarion call. Aliénor Devalière of Wemos stressed the imperative nature of this unified demand: "Future MEPs must prioritize patient interests over the pervasive influence of the pharmaceutical lobby."
Jaume Vidal from HAI emphasized the critical juncture Europe faces regarding access to medicines, underscoring recent debates on pharmaceutical legislation and medicine shortages that underscore the pivotal role of the European Parliament.
The appeal underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the pharmaceutical sector. Signatories contend that the current framework favors profit motives over public health imperatives, particularly considering the pivotal role of public funding in medical research and development.
The joint call implores the next European Parliament to recalibrate this power imbalance, advocating for measures that ensure fair pricing and transparency in pharmaceutical dealings. MEPs are urged to enforce policies that promote transparency in medicine pricing and attach conditions to public funding for research and development to ensure equitable returns on public investments.
Among the signatories are prominent organizations including HAI, Wemos, Salud por Derecho, Asociación Acceso Justo al Medicamento, and Access to Medicines Ireland, among others, representing a diverse coalition united in the pursuit of equitable healthcare access.
The next European Parliament must heed this urgent call from public health advocates, acting decisively to safeguard the fundamental right to affordable healthcare for all citizens. The ball is now in the court of MEPs to champion meaningful reforms that prioritize patient well-being over profit-driven motives within the pharmaceutical industry.
This issue is poised to shape the health landscape of Europe for years to come, making it incumbent upon elected officials to rise to the occasion and enact change that truly benefits the public they serve. The future of affordable healthcare in Europe hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive action from those entrusted with this critical mandate.
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