Parliament had already called for better traceability of research and development costs, public funding and market expenditure to make medicines more affordable in a resolution adopted in 2017.
The Commission issued guidelines to tackle shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak in April. It called on member states to lift export bans and avoid stockpiling; increase and reorganise production; ensure optimal use in hospitals by reallocating stocks; consider alternative medicines; and optimise sales in pharmacies.
EU pharmaceutical strategy
The report calls on the Commission to address the issue of medicine availability and accessibility and import dependency in the upcoming EU pharmaceutical strategy.
It is expected to propose measures to help improve and accelerate access to safe and affordable medicines, support innovation in the EU pharmaceutical industry, fill market gaps (for exampled new antimicrobials) and reduce direct dependence on raw materials from non-EU countries.
Next steps
MEPs are expected to vote on the report during the September plenary session.
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