EU Ministers Urge Reduced Dependency on Foreign Medicine Supplies

A group of health ministers from 11 EU countries recommends reducing reliance on a few countries for critical drug supplies to prepare for future health crises. They call on the EU Commission to address this in the upcoming Critical Medicine Act, citing security risks and proposing increased domestic production.

In a significant move, health ministers from 11 European Union countries have advocated for reduced reliance on a select few countries for the supply of essential drugs. This recommendation aims to enhance the bloc's preparedness against future health emergencies.

The ministers highlighted the concerning statistic that 80% to 90% of antibiotics are manufactured in Asia, predominantly China, exposing Europe to potential security threats. The letter, co-signed by prominent figures such as German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, raises alarms about turning dependency into a vulnerability affecting Europe's security.

As the EU Commission prepares to propose the Critical Medicine Act, ministers suggest embedding drug supplies within a broader security framework, akin to the U.S. approach where pharmaceuticals are part of defense supplies. They advocate for local production increases and centralized stockpiling to safeguard against shortages, especially for drugs crucial in both civilian and military scenarios.

(With inputs from agencies.)