The International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies (AIM) welcomes the recent publication of the EU Critical Medicines Act as a crucial initiative to strengthen equitable access to medicines across Member States. AIM strongly supports measures that enhance affordability and availability while ensuring the sustainability of solidarity-based healthcare systems.

AIM endorses the European Commission’s intention to diversify the production of pharmaceuticals globally and to boost manufacturing capacity of the European Union as investments in industrial projects.

AIM acknowledges the need to utilise EU financial resources to promote pharmaceutical production in Europe, however contributions from statutory health insurance funds or mutuals should not be diverted for this industrial policy task.

AIM is in favour of financial and regulatory support for Member States and clear guidance on how to provide financial assistance to strategic projects. This will enable a faster and more coordinated response to vulnerabilities. AIM also supports strengthening of procurement practices, as this will encourage diversified supply chains and improve the resilience of critical medicine availability.

AIM and its members are ready to engage in enhancing cooperation among relevant stakeholders and Member States: Through joint procurement, solidarity among Member States will be reinforced, and access to critical medicines across all Member States will be improved by addressing disparities in supply and availability.

AIM backs global partnerships for resilient supply chains. It is a very positive sign that the EU will engage with international partners to diversify sources of critical medicines and reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers.

AIM appreciates the fact that this Act complements the pharmaceutical legislation, ensuring a coherent and efficient regulatory framework for tackling medicine shortages.

Loek Caubo, AIM President

“AIM fully supports this legislative effort against the background of the ongoing shortages of medicines in EU Member States and the current geopolitical social and economic distortions. However, we also emphasize the need for greater transparency in pricing, research, and production costs of medicines. It is essential that financial incentives are closely aligned with ensuring affordability, availability, and accessibility of medicines for all Member States. Long-term resilience and sustainability of solidarity-based healthcare systems are pivotal.”