EFPIA, the voice of the pharmaceutical industry, called on governments and policymakers throughout Europe to use the financial crises as a real opportunity to make healthcare systems fit for the 21st century, and not as yet another excuse for cutting health and pharmaceutical expenditure.

Speaking at the 2009 EFPIA General Meetings in Seville, Arthur J. Higgins, CEO of Bayer HealthCare and President of EFPIA, said “With contracting economies, rising unemployment and growing national debts, there is a real risk that resources devoted to both health and innovation will be negatively affected”.

He added, “The consequences of such short-term thinking to the health and wealth of European citizens will be felt long after the current economic recession is over”.

Higgins names requirements for sustainable healthcare systems

Mr. Higgins proposed a five-point framework that would help create modern and sustainable healthcare systems in Europe. He explained:

“We need 1. to become more efficient in how we finance and deliver healthcare. We need 2. an improved regulatory and policy environment and 3. a more innovation-friendly market place. 4. we need a new holistic approach to disease prevention and control. And we need 5. to see empowered patients better able to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.

EFPIA sees pharmaceutical companies as a pillar supporting Europe’s competitiveness

Forecasts for the global healthcare market have dropped markedly from those of only a few months ago. The severity of the economic downturn is putting public budgets under immense pressure. According to EFPIA this could affect patient access to new medicines as well as the pharmaceutical sector’s competitiveness and ability to fund future research.

In these challenging times Europe should rely on strong and sustainable businesses such as the research-based pharmaceutical companies to increase its competitiveness. A healthy population underpins a thriving economy and investing in health and a strong pharmaceutical sector can help Europe bounce back from the economic downturn.

The research-based pharmaceutical industry is a major driver of innovation and growth for Europe, representing 3.5% of EU manufacturing, 19% of the global business R&D, a considerable trade balance surplus and almost 635,000 jobs in direct employment and 2,500,000 indirectly.

Mr. Higgins pointed out in his speech: “What is needed is not short- term mindset but bold and creative thinking that recognises that health and the economy are closely linked and that by investing in health and a strong pharmaceutical industry we are investing in the future health and wealth of European citizens”.I

Information for Download

• Link: Press statement Arthur Higgins from May 14, 2009 in Seville