OE2027: Protecting access to medicines

The 2027 State Budget must ensure economic conditions that maintain the availability of generic and biosimilar medicines, crucial for equitable access to treatments. The total health expenditure is projected at €17.858 billion, a 2.9% increase from 2026, despite a relative decrease in economic weight. Generic and biosimilar medicines promote competition and cost-effectiveness, freeing resources for the National Health Service (SNS). However, rising production costs and price controls threaten their availability, leading to potential shortages. The budget should include a 5% price update for these medicines and exclude them from extraordinary contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring a sustainable supply and access to treatments.