The Council of health ministers met on 3 June 2003 and also endorsed
a series of amendments aimed at guaranteeing patients' interests.
However, other important amendments, most of which were actively
opposed by the European Commission (Enterprise Directorate-General),
were not endorsed by the Council of ministers; others were left
to one side, either for lack of time, or because they were considered
"unimportant details".
Points that remain to be defended at the second
reading
The second reading is the last opportunity to explain why some points
are crucial, not only for patients and health care professionals,
but also for EU member states' medicines policies and for the long-term
health of the European pharmaceutical industry. This second reading
must not be allowed to degenerate into a bartering session on measures
aimed at preserving the short-term interests of the pharmaceutical
industry. The EU Parliament and Council must endorse a sound legislative
and regulatory framework, promoting the long-term interests of all
the different parties, and allowing all EU citizens to rationally
use the true therapeutic advances, in a well-informed and responsible
manner.
To help EU members of Parliament and ministers understand the stakes
involved, the Medicines in Europe Forum lists the points that remain
to be re-examined, and proposes one or several amendments for each,
along with their justification.
Points already agreed on
A series of points defended by the Medicines in Europe Forum,
including some major points, have been voted by Parliament and endorsed
by the Council of health ministers. These points can be considered
secured.
©Medicines in Europe Forum 1 September
2003
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