Our Positions on Top Political Issues
Ensure Patient Access to Innovative Medicines
Due to existing pricing and reimbursement procedures patients’ access to innovative medicines might be significantly delayed. For the well-being of patients it must be ensured that they will receive innovative medicines when they need them. Patients should get immediate access to innovative medicines so that they improve their living conditions. Rapid patient access to innovative medicines is therefore of vital importance for public health and patients.
A Sustainable Healthcare System in Germany
In Germany, scarcely one legislative period passes without some striking regulatory change in the healthcare system. The government is confronted with rising costs of maintaining inhabitants’ health due to demographic change and medical progress. Despite major reforms, the overall cost of healthcare in Germany has been outgrowing the funding base for some time and is heavily depending on the employment market situation. The fundamental challenge of how to finance the healthcare system sustainably prevails unsolved. In his present arrangement, the German healthcare system shows basic structural and governance flaws which must be improved.
Counterfeit drugs
Drug counterfeiting has developed into a serious, global problem over the last few years. The problem of counterfeits has been growing even in countries with strict regulations on the manufacture and sale of drugs. Counterfeit drugs can damage the health – or even the lives – of unsuspecting patients. Only a well-informed patient is equipped to counter the risks.
Animal testing
Safety and maximum efficacy are the central requirements when it comes to developing new medicines. In order to meet these key criteria in drug research, animal studies are as essential now as they have ever been - as well as being a legal requirement. As a research company, Bayer HealthCare is aware of its responsibilities: both towards the people who hope for a cure or an improvement in their illness and towards the animals as our fellow creatures.