Innovation in healthcare is not negotiable- it is life-saving. It transforms patient outcomes, strengthens health systems, and contributes to societal well-being. Today, a growing body of evidence confirms that better health drives economic growth. Innovative medicines keep people healthy and active, able to contribute to society. This is fundamental for a sustainable future, especially given the increasing pressure that healthcare systems are facing due to the interplay of ageing populations and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
The data is clear- innovation delivers value
- From 2007–2017, medicines added 2 million healthy life-years in the EU, generating €27 billion in productivity and €13 billion in healthcare savings, while for every $1 invested in health, there is a possible economic return of between $2 to $4.
- In Greece, life expectancy increased by 10.4 months between 1995 and 2015, an achievement attributed to improved access to innovative therapies and the strengthening of health services.
- Patients with multiple sclerosis are now able to walk normally and live functional lives, in stark contrast to 20 years ago when many were immobilized.
- Cancer has become a condition with the characteristics of a chronic disease, as cancer mortality has decreased by 32% over the past 28 years.
At Roche we know that innovative medicines significantly impact patient outcomes and improve the quality of healthcare across countries and regions. Our mission is simple: bring life-changing treatments to patients in Greece across oncology-hematology, ophthalmology, neuroscience, immunology and infectious diseases.
Our commitment goes far beyond medicines. We have a long-term commitment to clinical research, as over 2,570 patients have enrolled in new initiated clinical trials between 2015-2025 in Greece, while for 2025, 135 investigational centers participated in Roche ongoing and new initiated clinical trials. Through our commitment to clinical research, we are supporting Greece’s emergence as a key country in the field of life sciences, capable of attracting a lot more investments while simultaneously increasing the value for patients, healthcare professionals and society as a whole. Apart from investments in clinical research, we strongly believe in public-private partnerships that provide unique solutions for a more efficient healthcare sector. A great example is the innovative “OIKOTHEN” program, which provides at-home administration of treatments that were previously available only in a hospital setting. But currently, innovation is under threat.
As long-standing members of the PhARMA Innovation Forum, we know that progress in healthcare can only be achieved through innovation. Yet today, innovation- and patient access to it- is at risk.
Today, we face a 75,5% clawback rate, while according to EFPIA’s WAIT Indicator, patients in Greece have full access to only 25% of new innovative therapies. These realities make one thing clear: the time to act is now and we cannot afford to wait.
In this context, the PhARMA Innovation Forum, also through the “Voices of Innovation” initiative, highlights the importance of biopharmaceutical innovation for patients, the healthcare system and Greek society as a whole.
Patients in Greece deserve timely access to the innovations that can change- and save- their lives. It is imperative that the pharmaceutical sector and the State continue to work together to rationalize pharmaceutical funding and deliver structural reforms that will ensure a sustainable pharmaceutical market and long-term access to medicines of high therapeutic value.
Kavita Patel, Managing Director Roche Hellas for Greece & Cyprus
