Greece, Lithuania voice high hopes for Critical Medicines Act
Source: Euractiv
Medicine shortages are a common thread across many member states, a result of growing global challenges, but some now express hope the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), alongside the Pharma Package, can provide real solutions.
Recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine, have highlighted weaknesses in the EU’s pharmaceutical supply chains.
The CMA was drafted to address shortages of critical medicines posing significant risks to patients, and public health, and disrupting the functioning of healthcare systems.
The proposed regulation has been presented against a turbulent geopolitical landscape and it emphasises the crucial role of a strong European-based pharmaceutical industry in the EU’s security approach.
For Greece, “A resilient global pharmaceutical supply chain depends on flexibility, adaptability, and diversification”, said Dr Aris Angelis, general secretary of the Greek Health Ministry.
Lithuania’s high expectations
The Lithuanian health ministry noted that “this Act could play a crucial role in developing coordinated actions at the EU level to address the shortages of APIs and critical medicines and the vulnerabilities in their supply chains,” alongside the revision of the EU’s Pharmaceutical Legislation.
According to a statement to Euractiv, Lithuania has high expectations for the CMA.
On a “first reading” of the Act, the ministry said it anticipates the Act will: strengthen the resilience of the EU’s medicines supply chains; decrease the EU dependency on medicines and active substances sourced from third countries; reduce shortages of APIs and critical medicines; improve access to critical and other essential medicines for EU patients; and increase the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical sector, including through diversification.
The Act was briefly discussed during a recent meeting with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry in Lithuania, where the government presented its priorities and plans.
Slovenia on standby
“We will thoroughly examine its provisions and assess its implications for Slovenia’s healthcare system and pharmaceutical sector,” the Slovene health ministry told Euractiv.
They are, however, prepared to “actively participate in the legislative process and advocate for any necessary amendments to ensure that the final text effectively addresses critical medicine supply challenges while aligning with Slovenia’s national interests and healthcare priorities.”
Ministry and key stakeholders, including the Slovenian pharmaceutical industry, maintain ongoing communication and are set to gather their perspectives and ensure a well-informed national position.
Greece promotes country assessment
Angelis coordinated the development of the methodological framework for evaluating countries and regions to establish potential partnerships that would diversify supply chains, enhance security, and minimise the risk of disruptions.
The macro-level framework was developed by the Critical Medicine Alliance’s Working Group 2.
“The Critical Medicines ACT primarily aims at boosting Europe’s pharmaceutical sector by strengthening local production. However, the reality is that the EU cannot exclusively manufacture all critical medicines on its own,” he commented to Euractiv.
“International cooperation is crucial to ensuring the supply security of pharmaceuticals. A resilient global pharmaceutical supply chain depends on flexibility, adaptability, and diversification,” he added.
Angelis said: “Understanding a country’s ability to produce key pharmaceutical components—such as active ingredients and finished medicines—helps assess its potential for partnerships.”
[Edited by Brian Maguire]
The original article: belongs to Euractiv .
