E-DRUG: EU decision to transfer medical products to Dept of Industry - reactions (2)
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Dear E-druggers
On the issue of the proposed transfer within the European Union of the medicinal products and medical devices portfolios from Directorate-General Health to Enterprise & Internal Market, you might be interested in reading some reactions from civil society groups.
A broad coalition of 28 organisations gathering health interest groups, consumers, patient organisations, healthcare professionals, students and researchers has alerted that such a shift sends the wrong signal to European citizens and and patients, namely that economic interests come before their health. Read about it here: http://english.prescrire.org/en/79/207/46302/3758/3303/SubReportDetails.aspx
In addition, Prescrire and the British Medical Journal have also written to the forthcoming President of the European Commission Mr Juncker to challenge this proposal alerting him to the fact that medicines are not mere commodities. The letter is available at:
http://english.prescrire.org/en/79/207/46302/3754/3303/SubReportDetails.aspx
All eyes are now on the European Parliament, as candidate commissioners face a thorough scrutiny before the new European Commission can start its five-year term.
As of next week, candidates have to appear in front of parliamentary committees made up by members of the European Parliament and dealing with their proposed responsibilities. These hearings will guide Parliament's vote on whether to approve the new Commission.
Let's hope that the Members of the European Parliament will oppose firmly this porfolio change!
Kind Regards
Teresa Alves
Teresa Leonardo Alves
International Policy Adviser
La Revue Prescrire
Email: talves@prescrire.org