LEEM response to new French health resources

Expected new resources for the French sickness insurance program will necessitate an improved sense of responsibility in their proper utilization on the part of all stakeholders, France's pharmaceutical industry association (LEEM) has declared.

The adoption of a patients' franchise, on each drug package, is a decision by the public authorities about which the industry was not consulted, and which the LEEM said it "hopes will not reduce access to treatments for the most impoverished people." The implementation of a bouclier sanitaire (safety shield) is indispensable to support this direct contribution which is demanded of patients, the industry group argues.

The new resources levied with the new charge are to be taken in the perspective a very slight increase in the health care spending targets for 2008. These reflect a "new awareness" of the health needs of France, as much in social care as in medical research, the LEEM believes.