John Dalli outlines Commission role in sustainable healthcare
Speaking at the opening of the European Association of Pharmaceutical Full-line Wholesalers (GIRP) Annual Meeting, Mr Dalli highlighted that Europe is currently spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare, more than ever before, and the rate of spending growth was outstripping those of national economies, an unsustainable trend in the long term.
Identified factors in driving the spending growth includes: ageing societies, higher citizen expectations and technological innovation. To meet the challenge Mr Dalli called for cost-effective delivery of health through innovation. The Commission is working to assist in this by:
• developing with Member States a common methodology for Health Technology Assessments which will help to focus public budget on the most innovative and beneficial technologies; and,
• the creation of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on active and healthy ageing.
• developing with Member States a common methodology for Health Technology Assessments which will help to focus public budget on the most innovative and beneficial technologies; and,
• the creation of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on active and healthy ageing.
One of the areas the EIP will focus support on is solutions to problems caused by multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Mr Dalli highlighted that currently, only 79% of patients take their 'once daily' dose, while only 51% of patients required to take four actually do so. (See past EAHP EU Monitor on the EIP)
The Commissioner also highlighted activity by his Directorate-General to promote ehealth solutions, particularly interoperable e-prescription services. He highlighted a system in place in Denmark as a model.
Speech here.
Speech here.
8 June 2012
