The EU’s health ministers held a policy debate with Commissioner John Dalli (health and consumer policy), on 5 July, on the pharmaceutical package measures related to information on subscription medicines.

“For now, we’re on standby, because we’re waiting for the European Parliament’s position,” explained Belgian Health Minister Laurette Onkelinx. “However, since the commissioner seems positive with respect to Parliament’s opinion, it was important to remind him of the Council’s stance,” she said. Misgivings were quick to emerge on the European Commission’s draft regulation and directive on public information on medicines but the storm seems to be clearing. The EP’s Environment Committee (ENVI) will vote on 28 September and the commissioner is ready to listen: “I promised at my hearing that the proposal would be revised to put the accent more on patients,” Dalli told reporters. “This is not about withdrawing the proposal, but listening to the EP, whose analysis is very positive at present. Very interesting possible solutions are being suggested, such as the creation of screening between patients and the pharmaceutical industry,” added Dalli. The Presidency hopes to seal a political agreement at the Health Council in October.

Background

The proposals for amendment of Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation 726/2004 state that information may be provided to the public without prejudice to the prohibition of all advertising. The EP’s rapporteur, Christopher Fjellner (EPP, Sweden), wishes to secure better protection for patients against advertising.