THE NEW PHARMACEUTICAL STRATEGY FOR EUROPE: PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES

Abstract

Over the last decade, the European Union has taken a number of actions aimed at ensuring the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health for its citizens. This approach is a reflection of the established view that health is a fundamental public good, the provision of which is an indispensable prerequisite for the well - being of the peoples of Europe and for the progressive development of the Member States. The full realization of the right to health and all other health rights is determined by many factors, one of the most important of which is equal access to safe, efficient and affordable medicines. This circumstance is recognized by the European authorities and institutions, which within their competence actively develop and adopt policies, strategies and measures to achieve a sustainable, balanced and fair European pharmaceutical system. Despite the achievements of the European Union in the pharmaceutical sector, there are still worrying trends, the main ones being the lack of access to essential medicines and the high prices of innovative medicines. These negative phenomena have a significant impact on both the effective exercise of citizens' basic health rights and the sustainability of national health systems. Imperfections and gaps in national and European policies in the pharmaceutical sector have become even more pronounced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to respond adequately to current public health challenges, European authorities and institutions are striving to be even more active in developing effective policies to regulate the pharmaceutical industry and in implementing new measures to improve relevant legislation. One of the latest actions in this direction is the adoption of the new "Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe", which according to the European Union will contribute to achieving the main objectives of European pharmaceutical policy, including ensuring the quality and safety of medicines, ensuring that patients have access to innovative medicines at affordable prices, increasing global competitiveness and innovation capacity of the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring stable supply chains and other goals. The strategic document confirms the concept that the patient should be at the center of all policies that have a direct or indirect impact on human health, among which is pharmaceutical policy. This report will present an analysis of the objectives and priorities for improving European pharmaceutical policy set out in the new strategic document, which is important for the future development of the European pharmaceutical sector and, above all, for improving the protection of patients' rights.