The informal videoconference of health ministers took place on 12 October 2021. On behalf of Hungary, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Horváth minister of state of health attended the meeting.
An integral part of the meeting was a tacking stock of the Covid-19 pandemic. Member States shared their experiences with the fourth wave and expressed the need for enhanced cooperation, to further increase the vaccination coverage of the population, given that vaccination remains the most effective tool for saving human lives and protecting communities.
The first discussion item aimed at exploring joint EU solutions to increase the accessibility and availability of medicines and to improve preparedness and response to cross-border health crises. While Hungary agrees with the objectives of the Health Emergency Response Authority there is a need for better involvement in the governance of the newly established Commission service. The EU also needs to expand its perspective and tackle supply challenges that are not directly linked to COVID. From this perspective, the upcoming Commission initiative on shortages is much awaited. Reasons of shortage are multiple; therefore actions should be equally diverse and exploit a wide range of legislative and non-legislative actions. The Slovenian Presidency identifies three important areas, namely repurposing of oncology medicines, incentivizing the development of new antibiotics, and strengthening strategic autonomy, which deserve further reflections.
The ministers exchanged views on the question of working together, investing in health and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions for resilient health systems. The participants agreed that stronger cooperation in the field of sharing of information, experiences and best practices is important in order to better plan and use available EU funds in the field of health system reforms.
At the meeting, the WHO EURO office presented the European health roadmap for the Western-Balkan, which aims at reducing health gaps between the region and the EU.
