Czech health minister advocates EU incentives for local drug production

Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP09)  aims to push for EU incentives to support drug manufacturing within the bloc, contingent on conducting research and clinical trials in member states. Speaking ahead of an EU health ministers' meeting in Brussels, Válek said 19 countries back the proposal. Czechia remains interested in reviving domestic penicillin production but faces challenges due to EU restrictions on national subsidies. The minister also emphasized fair access to new patented drugs across all EU countries and discussed stockpiling essential medicines.