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Avoiding drug, medical equipment shortages, part of EU4Health pillars
New EU4Health programme adopted to tackle cross-border health threats more efficiently
The EU4Health programme for 2021-2027 adopted in plenary on Tuesday of the European Parliament includes a series of new proposals aiming to better face future health threats, to reduce the pharmaceutical dependence of eu countries and to establish better collaboration between them.
Avoiding drug and equipment shortages is one of the pillars of this programme, with the constitution of emergency reserves and the idea of a “European pharmacy”.
In May 2020, the Euorpaen Commission put forward a new stand-alone EU4Health Programme for 2021-2027, as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. EU4Health aims to help the EU to be better prepared for major cross-border health threats and to make national health systems more resilient.
The European Parliament and European Council reached a compromise agreement on 14 December 2020.
The new EU4Health programme will contribute in areas where the EU can clearly add value, complementing member states’ policies. Its main objectives include strengthening health systems by supporting countries to coordinate with each other and share data, as well as making medicines and medical devices more available, accessible and affordable.
Programme budget is €5.1 billion, with at least 20% dedicated to disease prevention and health promotion.
As the goal is to make health systems more resilient, EU4Health will prepare them more thoroughly for major cross-border health threats. This should enable the EU to face not only future epidemics, but also long-term challenges such as an ageing population and health inequalities.
The programme will also support actions linked to e-health and the creation of the European “health data space”. Promoting access to quality healthcare, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, improving mental health and accelerating the fight against cancer will also be supported.
MEPs highlighted the key role that the new programme will play in fighting health inequalities, both between member states and between different social groups. They also welcomed the establishment at EU level of a stockpile of essential medical supplies and equipment, which complements the work being done under ‘rescEU’, and a reserve of medical and support staff to be mobilised in the event a health crisis.
Once Council has also formally approved the regulation, it will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation will apply retroactively from 1 January 2021.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
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