Cyprus in favour of single market in medicine, Kanari tells EU Health Council

Cyprus is in favour of the creation of a single market for medicines, Health Minister Popi Kanari said on Tuesday during the second day of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) of the EU, held in Luxembourg.

Kanari also highlighted problems that Cyprus faces regarding accessing medicine as a small member state.

The main topic of discussion was strengthening the medicine ecosystem and supporting innovation and better access, according to a Ministry press release.

In her speech, Kanari pointed out that one measure that could address the problem would be to offer incentives to pharmaceutical companies, such as the reduction and/or exemption from fees, as well as a possible modification of data protection periods for products placed specifically in small member states.

Referring to the need to ensure competitiveness in the development of innovative medicines, the minister advocated focusing research on areas related to unmet medical needs and eliminating time-consuming procedures for the certification of innovative pharmaceutical products.

During the meeting, health ministers also adopted a Council Recommendation to strengthen EU action to tackle anti-microbial resistance, in the context of the “One Health” approach, which includes both human and animal health and the protection of plants and the environment. Kanari supported this recommendation, pointing out that tackling the problem requires multi-level, cross-sectoral and high-level international cooperation.

The ministers also exchanged views on a French initiative to establish a European day in memory of the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kanari supported the proposal, saying that such a day would be an opportunity to remember both the victims of the pandemic and the frontline health professionals who fought to tackle the pandemic and save lives.

The 27 ministers were also briefed by Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides on the Commission’s recent communications on mental health issues. During a working lunch, the health ministers discussed tackling loneliness and the need to increase social connection, with a particular focus on supporting youth and the elderly.