On November 14, the Health Committee made progress on its discussion of  the Organic Health Code bill. Agreeing to pass each section of the code separately, the Committee’s approval of its second section sees modifications in the access, purchase and production of drugs. New rights for cancer patients are established, in line with proposals from the Agreement Against Cancer Network (RACC). The National Assembly floor is expected to debate the bill before the end of the year.

Of the modifications that have been introduced, of particular note are the new responsibilities of the National Health Authority (NHA). The NHA, for instance, will be in charge of defining the importation and commercialization of biosimilar drugs, while also being able to enter into risk-sharing agreements with pharmaceutical companies in order to safeguard the financial sustainability of the National Health System in the purchase and distribution of high-cost medicines. For its part, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for promoting the production of essential biosimilar drugs.

The bill encompasses new anticancer measures. Many of these have been called for by RACC, such as reduced working hours and discounts on transport for cancer patients and their families.  The bill also places an obligation on the Executive Branch to work to ensure the continual provision of oncological drugs and medical devices.