The European Parliament's subcommittee on public health, known as SANT, is pushing for new legislation aimed at establishing EU 'pharmaceutical sovereignty.'

Chair Adam Jaruba emphasized the importance of increasing domestic production of vital medicines, a need highlighted by the Covid pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.

As part of its efforts, SANT plans to create a Critical Medicines List and develop a Critical Medicine Act, which would represent the most significant reform in the EU medicines market in over two decades.

The subcommittee will also tackle pressing public health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, drawing inspiration from the recent 'Beat Cancer Plan.'

In addition to these health issues, SANT aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, proposing a separate regulation to ensure patient safety and equitable access to care.

Jaruba noted a growing public support for EU involvement in health affairs, highlighting that health issues tend to be less politically divisive compared to other topics.

Historically, SANT's 30 members have had differing perspectives, with left-wing MEPs advocating for preventive health measures while right-wing MEPs prioritize scientific research and remedial healthcare solutions.

There is an ongoing debate within the Parliament regarding whether SANT should function as a full-fledged committee or continue as a research-focused subcommittee within the ENVI committee.

Recently, the subcommittee has been upgraded to a full committee with 43 members, which enhances its legislative capacity and influence.

The SANT coordinators include representatives from various political groups, such as Tomislav Sokol from the EPP in Croatia and Vytenis Andriukaitis from the S&D in Lithuania.

Furthermore, Jaruba is advocating for a Mental Health Action Plan that specifically addresses the challenges faced by young people in the digital age, particularly the effects of addictive algorithms on mental health.