Initially, there is an objective assumed by the Ministry of Health. An adviser to Minister François Braun explains it very directly to franceinfo: “Save on drug costs“. An objective which is reflected in particular in article 30 of the social security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2023, with a new competition for medicines. For each disease, the government will launch a call for offers on the supply of drugs Of all the molecules available on the market, only certain laboratories will be selected on criteria such as price or their location On paper: fewer manufacturers, less expensive… Everything is fine.
The industry is in turmoil: this measure could have very concrete and very negative impacts. The labs are not the only ones to say this. This idea of tenders has already been used abroad, notably in the Netherlands. In 2012, in France, the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (IGAS), issued a report pointing out the perverse effects of this practice: frequent stock shortages and relocations.
To remain competitive against Indian or Chinese molecules, laboratories had either left the country or suspended their production. Patients had even had to change treatment in a hurry.
A contradictory budget with Emmanuel Macron’s promises of sovereignty?
A risk underlined in France even though Emmanuel Macron, after the Covid-19 crisis, had promised to strengthen our sovereignty over medicines. At the Ministry of Health, it is answered that this new tool will have to be used “with tact and moderation”. Except that three days after the publication of this draft budget, the subject begins to make noise in the Assembly. MP LR Philippe Juvin, himself a doctor, is considering tabling an amendment to cancel this article 30…
Even in the ranks of macronists, this text makes people react: “The direction of the social security (DSS) wants to hit the labs”, confirms a deputy, very aware of social security budget issues. A former Bercy does not take off: “We are going to make the same mistakes that led us to shortages during the Covid…”
In 2017, the Elysée had launched regular meetings with the world of pharmacy to push for relocations and investments. Five years later, after the pandemic and in a context of fundraising, obviously the honeymoon is over between Macron and the labs.