Sustainable location policy and greater appreciation for medicines in pricing and reimbursement policies contribute to improving the supply of medicines
European drug production will cost money, both in setting up and expanding plants and in the products themselves. At the same time, drug production creates jobs, local investments and thus generates added value again. We can only agree with the representatives of the Austrian Medical Association that it would make sense in many respects to create the appropriate framework conditions here
Mag. Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG
Vienna (OTS) – In a press conference today, the Austrian Medical Association highlighted the need for action regarding the framework conditions for the supply of medicines in Austria. The main focus was on the demand for a stronger location policy and an appreciative pricing and reimbursement policy for medicines.
“European drug production will cost money, both in setting up and expanding plants and in the products themselves. At the same time, drug production creates jobs, local investments and thus generates added value again. We can only agree with the representatives of the Austrian Medical Association that it would make sense in many respects to create the appropriate framework conditions here.”
explains Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG.
According to Herzog, greater independence for Europe from the Asian market is desirable, but a sustainable location strategy for drug production would be more effective. “Europe will not become completely self-sufficient. Fully integrated production of all medicines from A to Z in Europe and Austria is not realistic. But there are areas in which expanding production is certainly possible and is already happening,” explains Herzog, referring to the recently expanded antibiotic production facility of the manufacturer Sandoz in Tyrol.
Aside from these challenges, Herzog sees a major construction site in terms of pricing and reimbursement policy. The majority of medicines that are currently not available or are only available with a delay are low-priced medicines whose patent protection has expired.
The association representative said: “The high price pressure has serious consequences for the supply of medicines. Pharmaceutical companies in Austria often produce close to their economic viability limits. But every company must be able to produce to cover its costs and also operate profitably in order to ensure its continued existence. Otherwise it will be forced to withdraw from the supply. This means that the drug supply is constantly thinning out. Therefore, if nothing changes in drug prices, especially in the lower segment, it will not be good for drug supply in the long term.”
About PHARMIG: PHARMIG is the voluntary interest group of the Austrian pharmaceutical industry. The association currently has around 120 members (as of April 2024), who cover a good 95 percent of the medication market. PHARMIG and its member companies stand for the best possible security of supply of medicines in the healthcare system and ensure social and medical progress through quality and innovation.
Questions & Contact:
PHARMIG – Association of the Austrian Pharmaceutical Industry
Peter Richter, BA MA MBA
Head of Communications & PR
+43 664 8860 5264
peter.richter@pharmig.at
www.pharmig.at