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Focus on Equitable Access to Medications

On May 23, 2025, the city of Brussels became the focal point for an essential discussion on health care sovereignty, led by Zentiva, a key player in the pharmaceuticals industry. The health policy conference organized by Euractiv drew many high-ranking political figures, including Steffen Saltofte, CEO of Zentiva, who was a pivotal participant in the opening discussion titled "EU Medicinal Legislation – Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All".

Steffen represented the interests of the generic pharmaceuticals sector, advocating for a unified reform that prioritizes patients. His call was clear: to create an inclusive health policy framework that achieves the fundamental promise of health as a right for everyone. "A sustainable healthcare system that the public can trust is crucial for our society," Saltofte stated emphatically during the conference. He further elaborated that the EU's local manufacturing sites performed admirably throughout the COVID crisis, but their ongoing resilience relies on a structural framework that supports fair and transparent pricing, and a cohesive policy approach that genuinely places patients at the forefront.

Key Themes Raised by Zentiva

Equal Access and Timely Competition Are Vital

Zentiva called for reforms in medicine regulation to guarantee early access for patients through fair competition. Lengthened exclusivity periods could hinder the entry of generics and biosimilars, negatively impacting affordability and availability. Saltofte insisted that all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem - from innovators to generic manufacturers and from regulators to policymakers - must collaborate to secure universal access to medicines.

Resilience Starts with Economically Viable EU-Based Production

The ongoing crises have reaffirmed the importance of local production. Zentiva’s sites in Prague and Bucharest maintained consistent supply during recent shortages. Saltofte urged for predictable pricing, investment incentives, and intelligent procurement rules that ensure the availability of essential medicines, advocating for comprehensive access policies that benefit everyone who relies on pharmaceuticals daily.

Political Alignment and Cross-Sector Collaboration Are Critical

The conference emphasized that industry, pharmaceutical, and environmental policies must be synchronized to achieve effective health reforms. New directives, such as those governing municipal wastewater treatment, must not compromise the supply of medications or hinder advancements in greener technologies.

A Modern Framework for Sustainable Healthcare Is Needed

Participants at the event pushed for reforms that would accelerate the introduction of digital health tools, including digital package leaflets, while creating incentives for drug benefits and assuring pricing models reflect real costs and sustainability goals. Such changes, Saltofte highlighted, are integral to developing a healthcare system where patients are not just an afterthought but the priority.

Moderated by Anna Gumbau of Euractiv, the panel included influential figures like Rainer Becker, Director for Medical Products and Innovation within the European Commission's DG SANTE, Stine Bosse, a Member of the European Parliament, and Ondřej Knotek, another MEP, both of whom actively contribute to the SANT Committee.

Platforms like Euractiv are crucial for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and progress that ultimately benefit the millions who rely on medications each day. As the conference reiterated, health is not just a privilege; it is a right that must be universally upheld.

About Zentiva

Zentiva is committed to providing health and well-being to all generations. As a leading European company, it develops, manufactures, and supplies high-quality and affordable medicines to over 100 million people across more than 30 countries. With four manufacturing sites and a wide network of external partners, Zentiva ensures reliable supply chains, embarking on ambitious sustainable growth plans for the years ahead.

The company has a legacy dating back more than 500 years to a small pharmacy in Prague, thriving today as it seeks to foster health and wellness for all in the future. Zentiva aims to be a great workplace, promoting an environment where everyone feels valued and can show their true selves by giving their best.

For more information, visit Zentiva’s website.