EU: Approval for Joint Procurement of Medicines

The proposal by MEP Michalis Chatzipantela of DISY and EPP for the joint procurement of medicines among EU member states was approved by a large majority by the Committee on Public Health (SANT) of the European Parliament.

Speaking on the show ALPHA Enimerosi, Mr. Chatzipantela explained that the proposal allows countries to participate in joint procurements for the purchase of medicines, which is considered extremely important for innovative drugs.

Mr. Chatzipantela mentioned that the initiative started in 2022, during his tenure at the Ministry of Health, with the aim of small countries like Cyprus benefiting from better prices.

The bill is expected to be ratified in the Plenary Session of the Parliament in January, with the Commission responsible for implementation. The proposal also includes measures to address drug shortages and encourage drug production in Europe.