Pöördumine

Hosams Abu Meri Kamen Joller Marija Jakubauskienė Minister for Health Minister of Social Affairs Minister of Health Republic of Latvia Republic of Estonia Republic of Lithuania 6 May 2025 No. 1/0525-186 Dear Ministers, On behalf of the Baltic Assembly, we would like to express our assurances of our highest consideration to the Baltic Council of Ministers. On 27-28 March 2025, the meeting of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee of the Baltic Assembly was held in Tallinn. The parliamentarians, governmental representatives and experts discussed how to enhance healthcare through data exchange in the Baltic States. The Committee also addressed the cooperation of the Baltic States to promote joint medical procurements and build up reserves in healthcare. The members of the Committee concluded that the Baltic States have demonstrated strong examples of healthcare cooperation in the past and continue to excel in separate project-based cooperation. The meeting underscored the commitment of the Baltic States to strengthening healthcare through enhanced data exchange and collaborative procurement strategies. The discussions highlighted the potential of the Baltic region to lead in digital health innovation as the vision of “health without borders” positions the countries to not only improve their healthcare systems but also to contribute to the broader European health landscape. However, it was agreed that the countries would continue to face challenges, particularly in the area of joint medical procurements. Joint medical procurements are crucial for optimising healthcare resources, ensuring better access to essential medicines and reducing costs through collective bargaining power. By pooling our purchasing capacities, the Baltic States can leverage economies of scale, secure more favourable terms from suppliers and enhance the efficiency of our healthcare systems. The Baltic Partnership Agreement on Joint Procurements of Medicinal Products and Medical Devices and Lending of Medicinal Products and Medical Devices Procurable Centrally has played a pivotal role in this process, providing a framework for cooperation that facilitates joint procurement initiatives and supports the sharing of best practices among the Baltic States. This collaboration also ensures that the Baltic States remain competitive in the global healthcare market while safeguarding the quality and accessibility of medicines for our populations. 1 However, the Baltic States face several challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border healthcare cooperation. During the meeting, it was concluded that a key issue is the lack of dedicated personnel responsible for overseeing the implementation, coordination and progress of the Baltic Partnership Agreement. Appointing such personnel is essential to ensure that the initiative moves forward smoothly and that efforts are properly managed and executed. Additionally, it was emphasised that there is a need for the Baltic States to jointly develop a clear investment plan that would outline the necessary personnel, financial resources, and define realistic timelines to guide and structure the progress of the initiative, ensuring the alignment of goals and expectations between the countries. Moving forward, the focus should shift towards the division of joint procurements from joint negotiations, particularly when it comes to innovative medicines. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in securing the effectiveness of joint medical procurements, ultimately improving healthcare access and outcomes in the Baltic region. Therefore, we would like to receive answers to the following questions: ⎯ What have been the main challenges in implementing joint medical procurements across the Baltic States, and what steps are being taken to address these obstacles? ⎯ Given the existing project-based cooperation, what steps could the governments of the Baltic States take to establish a dedicated personnel structure to oversee and coordinate the Baltic Partnership Agreement? ⎯ What steps could the governments of the Baltic States take to jointly develop a clear investment plan with realistic timelines and milestones to guide and structure the progress of the Baltic Partnership Agreement? ⎯ What collaborative negotiation strategies are being considered for procuring medicines, particularly for rare diseases and innovative treatments? We would highly appreciate receiving clear and detailed answers to the aforementioned questions and other reflections by 23 May 2025. Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration. Sincerely, Chair of the Health, Welfare Member of the Health, Vice Chair of the Health, and Family Committee Welfare and Family Welfare and Family of the Baltic Assembly Committee Committee of the Baltic Assembly of the Baltic Assembly Antoņina Ņenaševa Riina Solman Saulius Čaplinskas Republic of Latvia Republic of Estonia Republic of Lithuania Contact person: Rovena Berga-Minkeviča, [email protected] 2 Saatja: "Rovena Berga-Minkeviča" <[email protected]> Saaja: [email protected], "Info - SOM" <[email protected]>, [email protected] Teema: [DKIM katki]Letter after the meeting of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee of the Baltic Assembly Kuupäev: 2025-05-06 13:03 Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. HOIATUS! See e-kiri võib olla liba-, õngitsus- või pahaloomuline, kuna on saadetud asutusest, kus meiliserver on vigaselt seadistatud. Rohkem infot: KKK | teenusveeb <https://teenused.rit.ee/et/kkk> -> E-post ja kalender. Dear Madam/Sir, On behalf of the Baltic Assembly, I am sending the letter from the Health, Welfare and Family Committee of the Baltic Assembly with the conclusions and questions regarding joint medical procurements in the Baltic States that have been made after the meeting of the Committee that was held on 27-28 March 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia. We would highly appreciate clear and detailed answers to the aforementioned questions and other reflections by 23 May 2025. Thank you in advance! Sincerely, BALTIC ASSEMBLY ROVENA BERGA-MINKEVIČA Acting Secretary General +371 26121407 <http://www.baltasam.org/> www.baltasam.org Citadeles 2-616, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010 <https://www.instagram.com/balticassembly/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/102912134> <https://x.com/AssemblyBaltic> <https://www.facebook.com/BalticAssembly> <https://www.youtube.com/@BalticAssembly>