Prime Highlight:
- The EU is reforming its pharmaceutical laws to make medicines more accessible, affordable, and secure while supporting innovation in the European industry.
- The reform aims to address medicine shortages, strengthen supply chains, and empower pharmacists to manage drug availability effectively.
Key Facts:
- The proposal introduces the European Shortages Monitoring Platform (ESMP) under the EMA and early warning systems to track and prevent supply disruptions.
- Digital tools, including hybrid medicine leaflets, will allow patients to access information in multiple languages while safeguarding privacy.
Background
The European Union is starting a new phase in healthcare by reforming its pharmaceutical laws to make medicines more accessible, affordable, and secure. The reform, part of the New Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe that began in 2020, seeks to balance innovation and public health, according to MEP Dolors Montserrat, rapporteur for the Parliament.
MEP Dolors Montserrat, who helped shape the strategy, said the new rules aim to balance support for a competitive “Made in Europe” pharmaceutical industry with fair access for all patients. She said that medicine shortages, unequal access, and weak supply chains are major problems that the reform must fix.
The proposal includes early warning systems for supply disruptions and the creation of the European Shortages Monitoring Platform (ESMP) under the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This platform will track shortages and help countries act quickly.
Montserrat said pharmacists should play a bigger role in tackling shortages. She suggested that EU countries let pharmacists replace unavailable drugs with suitable alternatives and make medicines locally when needed.
The reform also promotes digital tools, using hybrid medicine leaflets that combine print and digital versions. This helps patients access medical information easily in multiple languages while keeping their privacy safe.
Montserrat added that Europe must create a stable and innovation-friendly environment to attract global investment and stay competitive against the U.S. and China.
The EU’s pharmaceutical reform takes an important step toward a stronger, patient-focused, and innovation-driven healthcare system that improves public health and boosts Europe’s medical industry.
