Brussels, September 30, 2020.
The International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, IVAA, took part in the public consultation on the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy, urging for a stronger patient-centred strategy, able to ensure patients’ access to a wide choice of reliable anthroposophic medicinal products (AMPs).
Anthroposophic medicinal products are of natural origin and have an outstanding record of safety and quality, based on a 100-year European tradition. Yet, the lack of harmonisation and considerable differences in marketing authorization procedures across EU member states currently limits the availability of AMPs in many EU countries.
AMP are typically prescribed and used in an integrative medicine approach that combines conventional medicine with anthroposophic medicine. Anthroposophic medicine and its medicinal products are valuable treatment options in support of the EU health goals on reducing antimicrobial use, chronic diseases and an ageing population.
IVAA calls on EU decision makers for better recognition of the role of integrative and anthroposophic medicine in achieving EU health objectives and for mutual recognition in the authorization of anthroposophic medicinal products within the EU. IVAA also calls for the EU to elaborate an adequate risk assessment of natural medicinal products, including herbal, homeopathic and anthroposophic medicinal products, that is proportionate to its usually lower risk profile.
A stronger presence of integrative healthcare with greater availability and accessibility of anthroposophic medicinal products in all EU countries can pave the way towards a truly pluralistic EU health system, focused on patients’ needs.
About IVAA:
The IVAA, or International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, promotes the recognition of Anthroposophic Medicine and its implementation in health care systems. Our vision is a world where the benefits of anthroposophic medicine are widely recognised, and where patients and doctors have ready access to complementary anthroposophic medicines and treatments that improve healthcare outcomes.
