Addressing the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Cypriot GUE/NGL MEP Adamos Adamou said that the voting through of the report on advanced therapy medicinal products and the regulation of up-and-coming therapies was urgently needed by patients throughout Europe.
"This report raises serious ethical questions but its aim is not to harmonise ethical standards but to respect the national competences of member states concerning the use of morally sensitive products. The principle of subsidiarity forms the basis for any decisions on this matter so countries can decide which types of products can be traded on their territory and which ones should be prohibited" said Adamou.
The new rules are intended to present an approval process for new treatments in the EU. The GUE/NGL is siding with patients groups on the issue arguing that the attempts by the rapporteur and other MEPs to delay approval of the legislation with so called "ethical" amendments will deny patients their right to the best treatment. The directive would not inhibit member states from prohibiting certain treatments from their markets and will enable advances in the development of therapies.
Together with the PES and ALDE groups, the GUE/NGL put forward 75 amendments to this report following months of consultation and attempts to find compromise with the Council and commission.
"Our aim is to achieve compromise at first reading; something sought by the majority of patients unions many of whose members lives will be affected by advanced medicinal technology. Every day I have been receiving letters from organisations representing patients asking us not to delay any longer the application of this legislation" Adamou declared, saying that the application of this legislation would mean "faster, easier and safer treatments for European patients".
"Having listened to the words of Commissioner Verheugen, it is clear that the Council and Commission support our amendments and the achievement of an agreement on this at first reading" he finished " Europe needs this regulation and needs it now!"
The vote on the Mikoláik report takes place on Wednesday 25 April.
GUE/NGL Press
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