MILAN – «The government has asked us to respect the pharmaceutical expenditure ceiling. And we respected that. We have entered into important agreements with the ministries, with the unions. In short, we have made every effort to bring the country system to account. And what we got in return, a further cut in pharmaceutical expenditure of 800 million euros. It is an unacceptable and counterproductive measure for the country". Speaking is Sergio Dompé, president of Farmindustria, the association that brings together drug companies (over 200). In addition to the cuts envisaged by the anti-crisis decree, what worries Dompé is the "little ability to listen", a sign that "nobody cares that there are new investments in the pharmaceutical field in our country".
But President, the blanket is short for everyone.
«But the only ones affected by the maneuver are us. And then after Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, present at our assembly in L'Aquila (on 25 June) had reassured us of the strategic nature of the sector and after Minister Claudio Scajola with whom we should soon sign an agreement, recognized our businesses as an engine for the country's relaunch. In L'Aquila we had asked the government to reciprocate the trust of our entrepreneurs who, despite everything, continued to invest in research, innovation and work. It is very serious that the response was a further reduction of 0.3% in the pharmaceutical expenditure ceiling, already reduced a few weeks ago from 14% to 13.6%. A cut is equivalent to a tax on drug companies.
Public spending cannot afford any further increases.
«Look, the pharmaceutical cost per citizen in our country is 188 euros a year, while the European average is 265 euros. Since 2001, expenditure on conventional drugs has decreased by 2.4%, while other health expenditure items, 84% of the total, have increased by 54.6%. Do you know who is in France, our fierce competitor, the standard bearer of the pharmaceutical industry? Nicolas Sarkozy".
But there are Regions that have made big holes in health care.
«I am strongly in favor of fiscal federalism. And it is neither a right nor a leftist position. As far as management is concerned, realities such as the Veneto and Lombardy as well as Emilia Romagna and Tuscany are to be envied. It's all about people, spending control and effective management. We cannot continue to pay for the inefficiencies of others».
But do you think the government should review the decree?
«The situation doesn't allow foil. We are aware of the serious situation in the country and are open to discussions, while seeking balanced solutions. If you cut the maintenance of the plane you can not then blame the pilot if the aircraft crashes.
Corriere della Sera of 02/07/2009, article by Antonia Jacchia ed. NATIONAL p. 37
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