Statement on Council conclusions on strengthening the balance in the pharmaceutical systems in the EU and its Member States
20.06.16
With over 7000 medicines in development, innovative medicines are some of the most powerful tools in meeting the needs of patients and addressing the challenges faced by European healthcare systems. EFPIA supports the Councils recognition that a strong IP framework is important for supporting and promoting access to innovative, safe, effective and quality medicinal products in the European Union and will contribute to the analysis to be carried by the Commission of the impact of the EU legislative instruments on innovation and availability of medicines.
We recognise that Europe’s healthcare systems face unprecedented challenges. Rising healthcare demand is being driven by a growing and ageing population living with increased prevalence of chronic disease. In that context we understand the desire of Member States to learn from each other, share information and cooperate on issues relating to the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. For example, adoption of pan-European Relative Efficacy Assessment can support faster, more efficient decision-making. But reflecting the diverse nature of healthcare systems across Europe, EFPIA supports the council’s conclusion that it is fully Member States' competence and responsibility to decide which medicinal products are reimbursed and at what price.
In the future we believe we can contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems by developing new pricing models, such as outcomes based, or value based contracts. This has started in a number of countries, and requires partnering with patients, healthcare providers, payers and industry to create real breakthrough. In that respect EFPIA underlines ‘the importance of a continuing open and constructive multi-stakeholder dialogue with pharmaceutical industry, patient organizations and other stakeholders’, as stated in the Council Conclusions. EFPIA and its members are committed to this dialogue based on our long-term commitment to the sustainability of European Healthcare.