Athens says "Yes" to joint vaccine procurement

The central procurement of vaccines was launched by the EU to deal with any pandemic or epidemic of communicable diseases.

"The Greek presidency supports the initiative of the European Commission for joint procurement of vaccines, targeting economies of scale, but also to shield public health", stated Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, during a press conference on Tuesday in Zappeio, completing the information Council of Health Ministers, in our country.

The issue of addressing any pandemic concerns the European Union, said Health Commissioner Mr. Tonio Borg, highlighting the benefits of joint procurement of vaccines for national budgets. In addition, the Commissioner generally mentioned the need of common policies regarding either prevention or treatment. "You cannot have 28 different ways to deal with a situation, e.g. an epidemic", he characteristically stated.

The Health Commissioner praised  reforms done in our country. "The crisis has accelerated reforms, but the results so far are positive", assessed Mr. Borg, adding however that "we will not go into the debate whether the country is coming out or has exited the crisis", even though he could, as he said he has been visiting Greece for the last 20 years. He also mentioned the e-prescription system that Greece now possesses, which is, as he said, one of the most sophisticated in Europe.