Mónica García defends in Brussels a Critical Medicines Act based on European solidarity

The Minister for Health, Mónica García, attends the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO)

The Minister for Health, Mónica García, participated in the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) in Brussels, where she advocated for an agenda focused on patient safety, European cohesion, and the protection of public health in the face of emerging challenges.

On her arrival at the Council, the minister stressed the need for the future Critical Medicines Act to become a decisive instrument for guaranteeing the availability of essential medicines throughout the European Union, without inequalities between Member States: "Today we come to Brussels with a very clear objective: to take a decisive step for the safety of all European patients. The Critical Medicines Act is essential to ensure that essential medicines are never again lacking in hospitals and pharmacies".

García stressed that healthcare cannot depend on vulnerable supply chains or decisions made outside Europe, and drew a red line regarding funding: "Strategic autonomy cannot depend on the resources of each member state. It needs common European funding. We will not accept a two-speed Europe on something as fundamental as the right to health".

With regard to the strengthening of the European pharmaceutical industry, García argued that the aim should be to consolidate strong, universal, and high-quality public healthcare systems. "Security of supply is a tool at the service of public health, not the other way around".

She also warned that the success of the act will depend on guaranteeing a cohesive and largely community-based funding model, avoiding competitive inequalities between member states and allowing progress toward truly European strategic autonomy.

"Spain sees this law as a historic opportunity, and we are committed to constructive dialogue to make this law an effective instrument that benefits all European citizens equally", the minister concluded.

Within the framework of this EPSCO Council, the Minister also addressed other issues of strategic importance to the European health agenda. Among them, she highlighted the need to advance in protecting public health against the increase in the consumption of new tobacco and nicotine products among young people, by strengthening control measures, regulating marketing, and limiting access to these substances to protect the next generation. "The main challenge is to establish stronger and more harmonised rules for all new tobacco and nicotine products, treating them in the same way as traditional tobacco".

She also stressed the urgency of developing a European Strategy on Health and Climate Change, given that the effects of global warming are already impacting mortality, the spread of disease, food security, and mental health, especially among the most vulnerable populations. "Reducing emissions, improving environments and strengthening social cohesion saves lives today and builds healthier societies for tomorrow".

Monica Garcia also reiterated the importance of successfully concluding the negotiations of the International Pandemic Treaty to ensure a coordinated response to future health emergencies, promote a balanced pharmaceutical package that combines innovation and access, and place health as a central pillar in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Non official translation