#None #Zentiva #EU Health Reform #Affordable Medicines

Zentiva Advocates for Sustainable Healthcare in Europe

Zentiva, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry, has recently joined a collective call to action aiming to ensure that healthcare in Europe remains both accessible and sustainable. The company firmly believes that health is a fundamental right and must be protected for all individuals, not just a privileged few.

This initiative aligns with the European Union's vision of inclusivity, echoing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasizes health and well-being as crucial components of sustainable development. As discussions regarding pharmaceutical legislation reform continue, Zentiva stands united with other stakeholders advocating for the advancement of off-patent medicines. Their primary focus is to guarantee that health considerations are prioritized in all governmental decisions.

Zentiva urges EU health ministers to take definitive action to implement reforms that would secure sustainable healthcare, ultimately protecting those who rely on affordable medications daily. The underlying message is clear: all Europeans, regardless of their location, must have access to necessary medicines. Avoiding shortages, relocating production back to Europe, and enhancing the resilience and fairness of health systems are essential components of this mission.

Furthermore, Centiva sees an opportunity to future-proof the pharmaceutical industry by investing in sustainability—specifically in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy usage at production sites.

Zentiva's CEO, Steffen Saltofte, voiced strong support for these reforms, stating, “Europe needs functional, resilient, and equitable legislation. This can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding.” He emphasizes the importance of enhancing incentives for EU-based manufacturing while eliminating detrimental obstacles that hinder patient access to essential medications.

Notably, he pointed out that the recent regulations governing municipal wastewater treatment could jeopardize the availability and affordability of vital medicines if not handled with care.

Zentiva has proposed several crucial steps for EU decision-makers:
1. Create a Harmonized Internal Market: This would facilitate faster access to medicines, reduce redundant processes in regulations, and ensure equal treatment for patients across the EU.
2. Support Affordable Treatments: Stimulating competition immediately after patent expiration is vital. Streamlining and clarifying the Bolar exemption will be critical in this endeavor.
3. Prevent Drug Shortages: Improving EU coordination and leveraging digital tools will be key in effectively addressing potential shortages.
4. Encourage Innovative Solutions: Fostering smart, affordable innovations in off-patent medicines is essential for tackling pressing health and environmental issues.
5. Strengthen Regulation on Critical Medicines: Expanding the principles governing critical medicines to the entire sector in light of the necessity for diverse access to essential active ingredients.
6. Revise Environmental Regulations: A thoughtful re-evaluation of the stringent environmental protections related to wastewater treatment directives is needed to ensure accessibility to crucial medicines.

With 70% of prescription drugs being generics and 90% of critical medications classified in this category, enhancing access and domestic production in Europe for affordable medicines is vital. Any delays in reforms that serve the European population reliant on these medications simply cannot be justified.

About Zentiva

Zentiva is committed to promoting health and well-being for all generations. As a European company, it develops, manufactures, and supplies high-quality, affordable medicines to over 100 million people across more than 30 countries. With four manufacturing facilities and a comprehensive network of external partners, Zentiva ensures a secure supply chain. Engaging over 5,000 dedicated professionals, the company strives to make medications accessible and effective. With roots dating back over 500 years to a well-established pharmacy in Prague, Zentiva continues to operate with a focus on sustainable development for the future. For more information, visit www.zentiva.com.