Ernst Stetter / May 2025
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The overall work programme of the European Commission focuses mainly on enhancing competitiveness and in general on simplification and implementation of new approaches in all policy fields. Healthcare policy does not exist in a vacuum, but is interlinked with all other policy domains, including industrial policy, research, innovation, digital health and artificial intelligence. Healthcare is, in general, also social policy. There is still persistent fragmentation and low coordination of health policies within the EU.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought up a clear and cruel connection between healthy populations, resilience of the EU economy, robust supply chains and unwanted dependencies on other regions of the globe. Hence, the pandemic revealed the important need for more and better unified health policies to ensure adequate and equal healthcare as well as overall access to necessary medication for all EU citizens in the different member states.
This highlights clearly the need for a more holistic approach to overcome the fragmentation of European healthcare policies. In much of the world, the striking fact about the COVID-19 pandemic was how little it immediately and directly changed healthcare policies, despite the immensity of the shock. The EU seems to be an exception, in starting to change the scale and scope of its work in health policy, civil protection and fiscal governance. Now is whether, heading into the next budget cycle starting in 2027, this newly ambitious and protective EU health policy will convince Member States and others of its utility and value.
Healthcare has undergone a rapid transformation through the rise of digital technologies. One of the most significant developments has been how patients access medications online.
This shift highlights a pressing need to revise the European Union’s pharmaceutical legislation, originally established over two decades ago. Emphasising the benefits of harmonization across Europe and expanding online access to medicines and telepharmacy services, is essential for enhancing patient care and healthcare systems.
Ensuring Economic Benefits by Harmonization of Regulations
The still existing and current disparities in pharmaceutical regulations across EU member states hinder the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Harmonising regulation can significantly alleviate challenges citizens are facing in accessing prescription medications due to local shortages or high costs. By creating a unified framework for the online access to medicines, processes could be streamlined to ensure that all patients, regardless of their location, have access to essential treatments.
Expanding online access to prescription medicines is not just a matter of convenience; it also carries significant economic implications. Online access to medications can lead to annual savings of approximately €3.1 billion for healthcare systems through reduced medication costs and improved adherence rates, as highlighted in a recent study by the Copenhagen economics institute. By allowing patients to purchase medications affordably, overall healthcare expenditures are for all significantly reduced.
Moreover, when patients can seamlessly order prescriptions online, adherence to medication plans markedly improves. This leads to better health outcomes. It reduces the reliance on expensive interventions. Thereby it will help to save both patients’ and healthcare systems’ money.
Furthermore, access to medication poses still ongoing challenges, especially for individuals in rural or underserved areas. It is proved that online pharmacies can effectively help to ensure patients receive necessary medications that may not be available locally. Hence, online prescriptions and deliveries are bridging the still existing access gap to effective and necessary medication for all. This is especially vital for those with chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment. By eliminating geographical barriers, patients are enabled to seek effective and affordable treatment options.
Furthermore, the integration of telepharmacy into the online sale of medicines signifies a pivotal advancement in pharmaceutical care. Many online platforms provide access to qualified pharmacists who can offer consultations, manage prescriptions, and answer questions regarding medications. This level of support is critical, particularly for patients with concerns about potential side effects, interactions, or proper usage of their medications. Telepharmacy enhances medication management and reinforces the patient-pharmacist relationship. It fosters trust and helps to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need. By facilitating direct communication between patients and healthcare professionals, the overall quality of care will be enhanced.
The Need for Maintaining Health Policies as a European Priority
Despite efforts made in improving health policy at the European level, the current political crises in the wake of the still ongoing war in Ukraine and the turbulences about the Trump presidency threaten to halt further progress. European policymakers should be sensitised to the need for maintaining healthcare policies as a priority in the European policy agenda.
Within this perspective, the recent establishment of the new SANT committee in the European Parliament is an important step. It reflects the importance that the European Parliament shows on health policies to remain as well after the pandemic in the EU’s broader agenda.
Failure to maintain the momentum could jeopardize the achievements made in the last mandate, especially with the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which have been instrumental in addressing disparities in healthcare access and improving patient outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative for health policies to stay high on policymakers' agendas, reinforcing the European Health Union.
The revision of the General Pharmaceutical Legislation moves forward. This is a considerable opportunity to create a better future where every patient, regardless of where they live, has timely and easily access to the medicines they need.
The need for revising EU pharmaceutical legislation, which has remained largely unchanged for over 20 years, is more pressing than ever. By embracing a harmonised approach and facilitating online access to pharmaceuticals, the full potential of digital healthcare could be leveraged. This modernisation will improve patient care and enhance overall healthcare systems.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare, prioritising online access and telepharmacy will without any doubts empower individuals across Europe to get equitable and efficient access to necessary medications.
By fostering innovation, enhancing data sharing, and promoting patient-centric approaches, these policies are reshaping the future of healthcare in Europe. As the digital transformation continues to evolve rapidly, collaboration between all stakeholders and ongoing regulatory adaptation will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of digital health solutions and improving patient outcomes across the region. Investing in these challenges will ultimately lead to a healthier, more resilient European Union by promoting the well-being of all its citizens.
Furthermore, it could be an important step towards the creation of a European Single Market for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. Such an approach is all but new, as the EU single market has over the past decades efficiently promoted economic growth and significantly increased the prosperity of the EU. Many of these lessons could be learned and applied to the healthcare sector.
