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The European Health Check Event: A Call to Action

On December 17, 2024, Zentiva hosted the 'European Health Check' in Brussels, which highlighted pressing issues surrounding the generics industry. According to a live survey conducted during this event, a staggering 77% of participants expressed deep concerns over the current systemic framework that governs the generic medicines sector. They indicated that this framework is neither sustainable nor effective in ensuring the availability and accessibility of medicines across the European Union. This alarming statistic signifies an urgent need for comprehensive systemic reforms to bolster the generics industry, an essential pillar for providing affordable healthcare in Europe.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including leaders from the generics industry, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. The discussion was opened by Ines Windisch, the Head of Communications, Corporate Affairs, and Sustainability at Zentiva. Windisch emphasized the significance of generic medicines, which account for about 70% of all medicines in Europe, including a vast majority of those listed as critical treatments. She stated, "Generic medicines are the cornerstone of Europe's healthcare system, but they face increasing pressure from fragmented regulations, price caps, and the bureaucratic implementation of the European Green Deal."

As the event unfolded, various representatives from the European Parliament and other EU institutions discussed key challenges affecting the off-patent pharmaceutical sector. Among these, concerns were raised about the growing risks of medicine shortages exacerbated by fragmented stockpiling policies. This puts smaller Member States at a disadvantage and contradicts the EU's principle of solidarity.

A particularly contentious topic was the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which was approved despite objections from 16 Member States. According to Adrian van den Hoven, Director General of Medicines for Europe, the directive imposes a fee on the generics industry due to the release of pharmaceuticals into sewage systems, effectively serving as a medicine consumption tax. This could jeopardize the economic viability of generic medicine production, leading to further shortages.

Windisch and other industry leaders at Zentiva are advocating for immediate reforms. They urge EU leaders to revise pricing frameworks to accommodate inflationary trends and promote economic sustainability in the generics sector. They also demand harmonized stockpiling policies across Member States and equitable cost-sharing mechanisms that do not solely target the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

"Generic medicines are more than cost-effective solutions; they are critical lifelines for millions of patients across Europe," Windisch concluded. The call for action is clear: to secure a viable future for the generics industry, it is essential to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Europe's citizens.

With nearly 5,000 employees dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and delivering high-quality medicines, Zentiva remains committed to its mission of ensuring sustainable healthcare access for all. As these discussions continue, the industry hopes to foster real change rather than just theoretical proposals. For those who missed the event, a full recording is available for viewing, underscoring the ongoing relevance of these pivotal discussions surrounding sustainable medicine practices.

About Zentiva

Zentiva is a pan-European platform committed to providing affordable, high-quality medicines to over 100 million people across Europe. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Zentiva aims for double-digit growth over the next five years, working vigorously to enhance healthcare for all generations. For more information on their initiatives, visit Zentiva's official website.