10/05/2017
It seems that the Greek Government — with the support of the institutions — will proceed with the agreed 30% clawback reduction by just increasing the current mandatory rebates up to 50% and not by applying the proper structural reforms. Additionally, reimbursement and a positive health technology assessment (HTA) outcome from at least six countries will be a prerequisite for the introduction of a new medicine in Greece. This will lead to an unfavorable impact for patient access to new medicines. According to a letter sent by ‘Reumazin’ — a patients’ federation for chronic rheumatic diseases — to the Greek Prime Minister, access to new medicines in Greece will be delayed up to four years. The Greek Government is incapable of delving into structural reforms, thus transferring the cost to Greek patients by restricting their access to new medicines.
1. Can the Commission guarantee that Greek patients will retain access to new medicines?
2. Is this deliberate delay compliant with the acquis communautaire and the free movement of goods, including medicines?
3. Will the Commission accept the idea of positive HTA outcomes from other countries instead of insisting on the establishment of a Greek HTA, in accordance with the 3rd Memorandum of Understanding?
