Cyprus is making a bold move to address persistent medicine shortages by championing a voluntary joint procurement mechanism among EU member states. Health Minister Michael Damianos reiterated the island nation’s proposal at a high-level conference in Brussels, highlighting the challenges small markets face in securing essential drugs.
A Growing Crisis For Small Markets
Speaking on 19 February, Damianos took part in a panel alongside EU health ministers, European Commission officials, and industry leaders. He stressed that limited market size makes Cyprus vulnerable to supply disruptions, leading to shortages of key medicines. His proposed solution? A collaborative EU approach where countries voluntarily pool their purchasing power to ensure stable supply chains.
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A Call For Stronger Incentives And EU Regulations
Beyond procurement, Damianos emphasized the need for new EU incentives to boost the production of both innovative and critical medicines, reducing Europe’s reliance on external suppliers. He also pointed to the importance of legislative changes that would support pharmaceutical manufacturing within the EU.
Cyprus’ initiative has already gained traction among several EU partners. If implemented, it could set a precedent for how smaller markets navigate global pharmaceutical challenges—ensuring that access to essential medicines isn’t dictated by market size.
