#Zentiva #Brussels #Belgium #Health Policy #Euractiv

Zentiva and Euractiv Unite for Health Policy Conference

Zentiva recently supported the Euractiv Health Policy Conference held in Brussels, a pivotal gathering where top EU policymakers discussed the future of pharmaceutical legislation. The event opened with a panel featuring Steffen Saltofte, Zentiva's CEO, who emphasized the need for equitable access to medications.

During the conference, titled "EU Pharmaceutical Legislation: Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All," Saltofte highlighted the importance of unity among different stakeholders in healthcare. He stressed that a comprehensive approach towards pharmaceutical policy is crucial, one that is patient-centered and inclusive of all parties from innovators to generic manufacturers as well as regulators and policymakers.

Saltofte articulated, "We need a healthcare system that is sustainable, resilient, and trustworthy. The production plants in the EU were operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and have managed to navigate recent shortages. However, ongoing resilience demands a systemic framework that ensures fair standards, predictable pricing, and aligned policies prioritizing patients. To achieve equitable access to medications, we must invest in our healthcare system. This involves collaboration to ensure that medications are available, affordable, and accessible for everyone who relies on them."

Key issues discussed during the panel included:

1. Need for Equal Access and Timely Competition: Saltofte advocated for a pharmaceutical reform that would ensure timely patient access through fair competition. He explained how extending exclusivity periods might delay the introduction of generics and biosimilars, consequently affecting both availability and affordability of medications.

2. Resilience Starts with Economically Viable Local Manufacturing: Zentiva's manufacturing facilities in Prague and Bucharest maintained continuous supply during recent crises. Saltofte called for predictable prices, investment incentives, and smart procurement standards to guarantee local production of essential medications. This, he believes, is fundamental for ensuring equitable access.

3. Alignment of Policies and Inter-sectoral Cooperation: The need for harmony among industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental policies was another significant point addressed. Without coordination, new directives—like the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive—could undermine medicine supply and stifle innovation in greener technologies.

4. Need for a Modern Framework for Sustainable Healthcare: Zentiva supports reforms that accelerate the adoption of digital tools and encourage value-added medicines. Saltofte pointed out that pricing systems should reflect actual costs and sustainability goals.

The debate was moderated by Anna Gumbau of Euractiv, featuring prominent figures like Rainer Becker, the Medical Products and Innovation Director at DG SANTE, and Members of the European Parliament, Stine Bosse and Ondřej Knotek. Platforms like Euractiv are crucial in facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and advancement for the benefit of all who depend on medications.

Underscoring that health is a right, not a privilege**, Zentiva is committed to providing affordable and high-quality medications. As a European company, their mission extends to over 100 million people across more than 30 countries, emphasizing their commitment to health and wellness for future generations.

In conclusion, Zentiva is looking towards a sustainable future, building on a rich heritage that began over 500 years ago in a small Prague pharmacy. With a vision to continue providing essential health solutions for at least another 500 years, Zentiva remains focused on its commitment to improving public health and ensuring that quality medications are accessible to everyone. For further insights, visit Zentiva's Official Website.