The International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies (AIM) has welcomed the recent publication of the EU Critical Medicines Act, considering it as a key initiative to strengthen equitable access to medicines across all Member States. AIM firmly supports measures that improve the affordability and availability of medicines while ensuring the sustainability of solidarity-based healthcare systems.
The organization supports the European Commission’s intention to diversify pharmaceutical production globally and to increase manufacturing capacity within the EU through investments in industrial projects. AIM also recognizes the importance of using European financial resources to promote pharmaceutical production within the EU. However, it warns that funds intended for health insurance or mutual societies should not be diverted for this industrial policy purpose.
Additionally, AIM favors greater financial and regulatory support for Member States, as well as clear guidance on how to provide financial assistance to strategic projects. These actions would enable a faster and more coordinated response to vulnerabilities in the supply of critical medicines. The association emphasizes the need to strengthen procurement practices through more diversified supply chains, which will improve resilience in the availability of essential treatments.
In this context, AIM and its members have expressed their willingness to work closely with stakeholders and Member States to reinforce cooperation in joint procurement of medicines. According to the organization, this strategy will help strengthen solidarity among EU countries and reduce disparities in access to essential treatments across the region.
AIM also supports the creation of global partnerships to ensure resilient supply chains. In this regard, it considers the EU’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to expand sources of critical medicines and reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers as a positive step.
AIM President Loek Caubo has highlighted the importance of this initiative in the current context of medicine shortages in the EU and ongoing geopolitical, social, and economic disruptions. However, he has also emphasized the need for greater transparency in the pricing, research, and production costs of medicines. According to Caubo, “It is essential that financial incentives are aligned with ensuring affordability, availability, and accessibility of medicines for all Member States. The long-term resilience and sustainability of solidarity-based healthcare systems are fundamental to the future of healthcare in Europe.”
AIM Statement on the European Commission call for evidence on the critical medicines act
