On 9 March, the European Parliament voted to approve the EU4Health programme for 2021-2027, with 631 votes in favour, 32 against and 34 abstentions. The new EU4Health programme will contribute in areas where the EU can add value and complement Member States’ policies, with objectives including strengthening health systems by supporting countries to coordinate with each other and share data, as well as making medicines and medical devices more available, accessible and affordable.
The programme will also support actions linked to e-health and the creation of the European “health data space”. Promoting access to quality healthcare, improving mental health and accelerating the fight against cancer will also be supported. During the plenary debate, MEPs highlighted the key role that the new programme will play in fighting health inequalities, both between member states and between different social groups. They also welcomed the establishment at EU level of a stockpile of essential medical supplies and equipment, which complements the work being done under rescEU, and a reserve of medical and support staff to be mobilised in the event a health crisis. Once the European Council has also formally approved the regulation, it will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation will apply retroactively from 1 January 2021.
You can read more on the regulation here: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20210304IPR99207/parliament-gives-green-light-for-new-eu4health-programme
