Discrimination in the health sector

17.4.2014

Question for written answer E-005132-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE)

Health protection and related issues continue to be matters that pertain to the competence of Member States. Nevertheless, I am convinced that services to patients in the Member States must be provided without discrimination of any character.

In Lithuania, there are nine individuals (including seven children) with the severe genetic disease Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VI). It is scientifically proven that the only effective treatment for this disease is the drug galsulfase (Naglazyme). To my knowledge, none of the EU Member States compensates treatment for this drug. Although Lithuanian experts have also submitted conclusions that it is appropriate to include the mentioned medical product on the list of reimbursed medicines, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania refuses to do so. The Lithuanian Equal Opportunities Ombudsman’s Office has even determined that such an omission is to be regarded as discrimination.

Nevertheless, the Ministry continues to hold the position that the inclusion of the drug galsulfase (Naglazyme) on the list of reimbursed medicines would be a huge burden on the state budget.

Should this inaction of Lithuanian authorities and disregard of the opinion of experts, leaving patients without access to effective treatment at an affordable price, be treated as an infringement of Articles 2 and 3 of the EU Treaty, given that one of the EU’s values is non-discrimination?

OJ C 426, 27/11/2014