Provision security - Merz will strengthen European pharmaceutical industry
The CDU federal chairman Friedrich Merz aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry in Europe and Germany is important, Merz stated during a visit to the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in Dresden. It is an essential part of our healthcare system, not just for patients but also for the industry as a whole. "Competition in European industry means ensuring supply security, internally," Merz said.
The Corona pandemic led to a shift in opinion. "Suddenly, we realized that we have few researching and producing pharmaceutical companies in Europe. Europe has become dependent on China and India." For instance, there is only one European facility for producing antibiotics in Austria.
Merz also addressed the vaccine skepticism that is more widespread in Germany than expected. Children, in particular, need vaccinations. The risk should not be denied. "Every vaccine can have side effects, but no vaccine has much greater side effects," Merz said. He advocated for a campaign by politics and companies. People should get themselves and especially their children vaccinated.
GSK produces vaccines against influenza and hepatitis in its Dresden facility. According to the company's statements, two million vaccine doses are produced there weekly. Around 800 employees and trainees work at this location.
- Merz emphasized the need for enhancing the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical industry, including Germany's sector, which plays a significant role in the country's healthcare system and economy.
- During his visit to GSK's Dresden facility, Merz highlighted the importance of competitive European industries in ensuring provision security by internally fostering competition.
- Amidst the Corona pandemic, Europe has found itself reliant on foreign countries, such as China and India, for pharmaceutical research and production, which has sparked concern within Merz and other industry leaders.
- Saxony's GSK facility in Dresden specializes in producing vaccines against influenza and hepatitis, with two million doses manufactured weekly, and approximately 800 employees and trainees working at the site.
- Friedrich Merz acknowledged the growing vaccine skepticism in Germany, particularly among children, and emphasized the necessity of vaccinations to combat not only diseases but also the potential for wider health risks.
- Merz advocated for a joint effort between politics and pharmaceutical companies to deliver an effective vaccination campaign, ensuring that both adults and children receive the necessary vaccinations.
- Glaxosmithkline (GSK) has expanded its global reach by extending its pharmaceutical production across various continents, underscoring the company's role in providing essential medicines for the global population and contributing to the overall competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry.
