After almost ten years, the Pharmaceutical Consultative Forum has been re-established

Budapest, 14. July 2022 – Three professional organisations representing the pharmaceutical sector, the National Association of Private Pharmacists (MOSZ), the Association of Network Pharmacies (HGYSZ) and the Hungarian Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (HAPW), have re-established the Pharmaceutical Consultative Forum after an eight-year break. The aim of the organisations is to make joint proposals to support the work of the health government and to share their insights to strengthen the functioning of the pharmaceutical sector and the provision of high-quality patient care.

The three organisations share the view that the supply of medicines faces significant challenges. Difficulties in the sustainability of pharmacies, staff shortages, the closure of small rural pharmacies and the lack of solutions to certain professional problems are still plaguing the sector and pose a serious threat to the proper functioning of the sector and the safe and accessible supply of medicines in the long term.

In order to ensure that patients continue to receive an adequate level of service in the future, it is necessary to ensure the sustainable economic and professional operation of the pharmaceutical sector, to promote its development, and to review and expand its resources. One of the key elements of implementation is the constructive cooperation and joint action of the sectoral actors, which is why the Pharmaceutical Consultative Forum, already in operation between 2011 and 2014, was re-established with the participation of MOSZ, HGYSZ and HAPW. The aim of the platform is to promote the proper provision of quality patient care and medicines supply through professional and professional policy proposals, and to strengthen the social recognition of those working in the pharmaceutical sector.

“I believe that the re-establishment of the Forum is a significant milestone in the life of the sector, and we are proud that the joint work has once again been initiated by MOSZ. Our goal is the same, we all want to do something to improve the supply of medicines, the ultimate winner of which will be the patient, who will receive higher quality care" - said Dr Enikő Lukácsné Fodor, President of MOSZ. 

“Since its foundation, HGYSZ has believed that success can only be achieved through cooperation and joint work, and we look forward to working together with great joy and confidence. We consider it very important for the effective functioning of the Forum that in the future all actors of the domestic pharmaceutical supply are represented. So, we hope that soon more professional organisations and representatives of the manufacturers will join the Forum as well" - stressed Dr János Zlinszky, President of HGYSZ.

“Pharmaceutical wholesalers are essential actors of the domestic pharmaceutical supply, so I think it is important that our organisation is part of this joint work. We are confident that as a result of our efforts and cooperation, we will be able to contribute to the strengthening of medicines supply and establish an effective dialogue within the sector and with decision-makers," said Dr Antal Feller, President of HAPW.

The Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacists and the Hungarian Pharmaceutical Society were also invited to the reconstituted meeting, but unfortunately, they were not able to attend. The Forum members hope that in the future these two organisations will join the cooperation. 

The Pharmaceutical Consultative Forum has started to work together and meets regularly to maintain and further develop high quality patient care and medicines supply.