Unified position of the healthcare sector: The Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control are preparing for the negotiation process with the EU
On September 17, 2024, a working meeting was held between representatives of the Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control (SMDC) to coordinate joint actions of both agencies in preparation for the negotiation process on Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Maryna Slobodnichenko presented a roadmap for preparing for a screening meeting with the European Commission on the negotiation of Chapter 28, Consumer and Health Protection, to be held on February 10-12, 2024. She emphasized the importance of close coordination between the Ministry of Health and the SMDC, as both agencies have several important European integration tasks. During the negotiation process with the EU, they will discuss the regulation of medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and the assessment of medical technologies, so it is essential to develop a unified state position in these areas.
“Our common goal is to ensure effective preparation for negotiations with the European Union. We have to demonstrate to the European Commission our readiness for change, unity and ability to adapt to European healthcare standards. It is important that Ukraine speaks with one voice in the international arena and is ready to implement new regulations.”
In addition, the participants discussed the importance of “one voice” meetings scheduled for October and November 2024. These meetings will be the main platform for dialogue with the business community, the public and other stakeholders. This will help to develop a coordinated position of Ukraine on the implementation of new regulations in the pharmaceutical sector. One of the key elements of these meetings will be the preparation of presentations containing up-to-date information on the state of affairs in the respective sectors, which will be subsequently provided to the European Commission.
Representatives of the State Administration of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control expressed their readiness to provide their experts to the negotiating team, who will be directly involved in discussing issues related to the regulation of medicines and medical devices. This will ensure synchronization of actions and clear coordination of efforts at all levels.
Maryna Slobodnichenko also drew attention to the need to prepare justifications for possible transitional periods in the implementation of European standards.
“We have to be ready to demonstrate our achievements and clearly explain the need for certain adaptation steps. This allows us not only to reach mutual understanding with our European partners, but also to ensure the effective implementation of new standards in the healthcare sector.”