Easier access to medicines and technology would improve health outcomes in Central and Eastern Europe. Prioritising cost saving measures in the short-term ignores the benefits of new technologies on both healthcare costs and patient outcomes in the long-term. In order to ensure equal access to innovative medicines across Europe, Central and Eastern European governments should consider measures like reference pricing and health technology assessments. Improving access while bringing down costs will also require coordination and transparency with multiple stakeholders within each country and across the region. Read our publication with Economist Impact for more.
Improving access to medical innovation in Central and Eastern Europe
Easier access to medicines and technology would improve health outcomes in Central and Eastern Europe. Prioritising cost saving measures in the short-term ignores the benefits of new technologies on both healthcare costs and patient outcomes in the long-term. In order to ensure equal access to innovative medicines across Europe, Central and Eastern European governments should consider measures like reference pricing and health technology assessments. Improving access while bringing down costs will also require coordination and transparency with multiple stakeholders within each country and across the region. Read our publication with Economist Impact for more.

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Advancing EU health policy through competitiveness and innovation
On Monday, 27 October, AmCham EU met with Lorena Boix-Alonso, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission, for an exchange on the role of health policy in strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. The discussion focused on how to foster innovation while ensuring patient safety, as well as ways to streamline the legislative framework to improve efficiency and uphold high standards of care. AmCham EU highlighted the importance of evidence-based, future-proof regulation that supports a resilient health system and drives innovation. Continued dialogue is essential to advancing shared goals for Europe’s health agenda.
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Advancing European healthcare in Strasbourg
From Tuesday, 7 to Wednesday, 8 October, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to engage with MEPs on the future of EU health policy. In meetings with over a dozen policymakers, members underscored the importance of a competitive, innovation-driven life sciences sector that ensures timely patient access to medicines and technologies. The discussions also covered the General Pharmaceutical Legislation, the Medical Devices Regulation, the Critical Medicines Act and the upcoming Biotech Act. The delegation called for evidence-based, proportionate policies that promote regulatory coherence and support Europe’s global leadership in health innovation.

How the Critical Medicines Act will strengthen Europe’s life sciences sector
On Wednesday, 30 April, Thibaut L'Ortye, Senior Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU, joined a panel discussion on the Critical Medicines Act (CMA). Hosted by the European Policy Centre, Mr L'Ortye underlined the need for open and resilient supply chains to ensure continued access to medicines. He also highlighted the CMA’s potential to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and improve patient access. Avoiding protectionist measures and aligning the CMA with the EU’s wider simplification efforts is essential to attract investment into the Single Market. The discussion highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration to build a more competitive life sciences sector in the EU.
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