Healthcare Sector
Let’s briefly look at the ASEAN and the EU pharmaceutical markets:
ASEAN – The pharmaceutical industry in most ASEAN markets is growing and dynamic. This growth is driven by several factors including the emergence of more efficient healthcare systems that are expanding access for consumers.
The Philippines is a good example as the Aquino administration is making use of the ‘sin tax’ revenues to achieve nationwide health coverage. In 2015 the ASEAN Economic Community will commence; the integration has started already and will drive expanding healthcare services and goods throughout ASEAN with more partnerships being formed, and greater cooperation in research and development being encouraged. The European pharmaceutical sector stands ready to be a collaborative partner.
European Union – The EU is the second largest market for pharmaceutical sales worldwide, and the pharmaceutical industry in the EU represents the 5th largest industrial sector amounting to 3.5% of total manufacturing production. In 2011, the sector invested Euro 27.5 billion in R&D in Europe. Europe is also a major player in other healthcare products, such as equipment, diagnostics and services.
Sustainable access to innovative healthcare and continued advancement in research and development of innovative biopharmaceuticals are critical components for economic growth in the EU and ASEAN. ASEAN leaders identified healthcare as one of the 12 priority sectors to help drive ASEAN integration and creation of the ASEAN Economic Community. ASEAN health ministers have also emphasized that health development is a shared responsibility and must involve greater participation from all groups. EU business commends this commitment for collaboration among governments and the private sector.
Patient safety and producing quality medicines is the foundation of the EU pharmaceutical industry, but necessary, burdensome, or inconsistent regulations impede or delay access to medicines in ASEAN member states.
Market access restrictions in the form of preferential procurement and listing procedures affect the ability of bring innovative products to market.
Inadequate intellectual property protection and enforcement have a detrimental impact on the availability of safe medicines, and create potential health hazards to consumers.
The EU pharmaceutical industry will continue to support the ongoing reforms and act as a partner of local and regional health authorities to deliver on their healthcare goals.
Key recommendations:
• The EU pharmaceutical industry recommends greater and more frequent private sector consultation in advance of the development of domestic regulations, and that private sector issues be more frequently addressed at the ASEAN level.
• The industry recommends clear and transparent procurement or listing procedures for biopharmaceuticals that recognize the value of innovation, rather than create disincentives for access to innovative medicines.
• The EU pharma industry urges ASEAN governments to prioritize IPR protection and develop initiatives to reduce the delays and backlogs that exist in granting patents.
• The industry recommends greater inter-ministerial coordination at the ASEAN and domestic level so that trade, health, economic matters can be effectively and cohesively addressed.
• The EU pharmaceutical industry recognizes that ASEAN member countries take the threat of counterfeit and substandard medicine seriously, and recommend greater collaboration among all healthcare stakeholders be developed regionally to address this growing cross-border issue and promote awareness among consumers.
The EU research-based pharmaceutical industry remains committed to cooperation to achieve the common goals of enhancing trade and improving access to innovative high quality healthcare in the Region.
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