EAEP AND ASOP EU EVENT SHOWCASES BENEFITS OF ONLINE ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

Brussels, 13 February 2024 – the European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP), together with the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacy in the EU (ASOP EU), hosted an event in Brussels, shedding light on the benefits of enabling patients to obtain their prescription medicine through safe and secure digital solutions. 

During the event, Copenhagen Economics presented the findings of their latest report, commissioned by ASOP EU, titled “Unlocking the benefits of online access to prescription medicines across the EU”. The report looks at the state of play in five EU Member States (Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden), highlighting the benefits of improved access to pharmacies operating online in terms of convenience, especially for chronic patients and their carers, as well as those who live in rural areas.

Building on the practical experience and insights of the speakers, the discussion raised the awareness among policymakers and stakeholders regarding the importance of ensuring availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicinal products for patients, particularly concerning the ongoing revision of the Pharmaceutical Legislation, first published in April 2023. The speakers, including MEP Antonius Manders (EPP, Netherlands), Ms Anne Robert (Partner, Sidley Austin LLP), Bruno Basalisco (Director, Copenhagen Economics), Margot Voskamp (Communications Officer, World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems), Pit Janssen (Responsible Pharmacist, MedApp), (i) examined the impact of the current regulatory framework, which allows Member States to restrict online sales channels for medicinal products, on patients residing in rural or remote areas, those with mobility issues, or chronic conditions; and (ii) explored potential solutions to address these challenges, with a view to establishing the much-needed level playing field in Europe for patients to access healthcare through safe digital solutions.

As the body representing the online pharmacy sector in Europe, the EAEP remains committed to engaging with stakeholders and policymakers with a view to advancing an ambitious, positive legislative framework enabling patients to access healthcare, regardless of where they live.

Profile: The European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP) represents the interests of e-pharmacies on the European continent. The EAEP voices its interests mainly with political stakeholders, regional and business actors, with the ultimate aim to improve the health of Europe’s citizens and strengthen the European healthcare system. E-Pharmacies have digitalised the classical pharmacy, and therefore act at the crossroads of digitalisation, healthcare, e-commerce and sustainability. As pioneers in providing digital solutions and our innovative and secure processes in dealing with health data, offering medicinal products and digital healthcare service while complying with national and EU law, the EAEP members continuously seek for ways to enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare for Europeans.