Eduardo PastorPresident of Cofares, defended before the European Parliament the need differentiate by law the full range of pharmaceutical distributionat a meeting he held with Spanish MEPs.

According to Cofares, Pastor held meetings with PP MEP Pilar del Castillo, as well as with a representative of the PSOE and the MEP’s adviser. Laura Ballarin, Victor Donate. During his visit to Brussels, he noted that “Cofares has processed a proposal related to the directive of the European Parliament and the Council regarding the Union Code of Medicines for Human Use.”

In particular, in its text the company proposed two issues that it considers fundamental: on the one hand, the need to legally differentiate the full-spectrum pharmaceutical distribution from other wholesalers, improve safety and security and eliminate inequalities in the supply chain.

The pastor explained that “the distribution of the full range serves as a public service in that it guarantees the continued availability of all medicines and health products within the legal framework limitations and market conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to make a specific distinction in relation to other agents in the wholesale distribution of medicines.”

On the other side, Cofares also proposed streamlining the system. licensing wholesalers, introducing specific minimum requirements into legislation and creating a permitting system that protects the special status of full-line distribution. “We advocate for the establishment of differentiated distribution authorization and simplified procedures for full-line wholesalers, which will facilitate their operation as a vital public service,” he said.

Medicine reserve

Another issue of interest at European level, which was also the focus of Eduardo Pastor’s visit to Brussels, was the debate on drug reserves and the strategic autonomy of the European Union in pharmaceutical matters, especially relevant after the publication of the regulation. serious transboundary health threats, published December 2022.

The European Union has implemented a number of policies that have willingness to strengthen strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on non-EU third countries. In this sense, Cofares believes that full spectrum distribution represents a strategic ally at the service of administrations and the population, to “ensure a strong structure, proven efficiency and, in accordance with current legislation, able to guarantee the supply chain of medicines.” . A complex activity that includes several stages: purchasing and collecting products, their proper storage and protection, monitoring their condition in real time and distribution through an extensive network of pharmacies to guarantee access to all populated areas,” the head of state recalled. President Cofares.

The day in Brussels ended with attending a session on “The future of health care distribution: addressing challenges, ensuring access,” organized by GIRP, the European association of medicines and healthcare products distributors, of which Cofares is vice-president. During this session, Eduardo Pastor confirmed the company’s commitment to improving the European pharmaceutical systemdefending the Spanish model and finding solutions that promote safety and security in the medicine supply chain.