A recent report highlights significant disparities in access to new medicines across Europe, revealing that patients in some countries face waits up to seven times longer than others. For instance, while patients in Germany can access new treatments just 56 days after approval, those in Romania may wait over three years. This inconsistency raises concerns about healthcare equity within the EU, particularly as only 28% of new medicines were fully reimbursed by public health systems in 2025, down from 42% in 2019.
The report from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) underscores that these delays not only affect the availability of innovative therapies but also highlight a broader trend of diminishing access to essential medicines across the continent. Countries in Northern and Western Europe generally experience faster access compared to their Southern and Eastern counterparts, where patients often endure lengthy waits for the same treatments.
This situation could have serious implications for UK patients as well, especially given the interconnectedness of European healthcare systems. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit relationship with the EU, any changes in regulatory processes or reimbursement policies could impact the availability of new medicines in the UK market.
Moreover, the slower pace of regulatory approvals in Europe compared to the US and China suggests that the UK might also face challenges in keeping up with new therapies. As the landscape of medicine availability evolves, UK patients and healthcare providers must remain vigilant about potential delays in accessing vital treatments.
Source: Euronews
