Min. Health: Cyprus in favor of small market access to new expensive medicines

Cyprus supports small market access to new expensive medicines and the Oslo Medicines Initiative, Health Minister Michalis Hatzipantela said on Monday, speaking at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, taking place in Tel Aviv.

Mr. Hatzipantela pointed out that Cyprus is not considered an attractive market for the distribution of pharmaceutical products. "This is particularly evident with high-priced new drugs, as Cyprus lacks the numerical strength required to bring them to market, as well as the necessary bargaining power to secure fair pricing and reimbursement agreements," he added.

The Minister of Health went on to say that Cyprus fully agrees with the creation of a multilateral platform such as the Oslo Medicines Initiative and intends to support this endeavour.

Finally, Mr. Hatzipantela stated that the project should also include small market access to new, high-priced drugs, adding that "this issue could be addressed separately, especially and in conjunction with the other priority areas."

KYPE