Greek Innovation Fund an important step, but a limited one, says industry
Statement by Michael Himonas, General Manager of SFEE, on the Innovation Fund/Transitional Reimbursement Scheme for Innovative Medicines – EURACTIV
Some preliminary calculations were calling for a twofold or even threefold budget than the one announced for the Scheme to meet the needs in access to new medicines, especially those of higher cost. The €50 million allocation ‘crash-landed’ hopes for a higher budget, at least for now.
“SFEE welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement for an amount of 50 million euros, which will finance the Innovation Fund/Transitional Reimbursement Scheme for Innovative Medicines,” Mihalis Himonas, the General Manager of the Association, told Euractiv, adding, nevertheless, that sustainable future funding needs to be secured, as the amount set for the Fund is limited.
Despite the caveats, the move was highly anticipated by the industry.
“It is a financing model that also exists in other European countries (Italy, for example). At the same time, this commitment by the government is a practical recognition of the value of innovation,” Himonas said, noting the industry’s push towards the formation of the Scheme to finance Greek patients’ access to innovative treatments and “to eliminate inequalities in access, so that Greek patients are at the same level as Europeans.
“We expect this measure to be implemented as soon as possible, and of course to ensure the necessary future financing of the Fund, always with the benefit of Greek patients in mind,” he added.
