Current health policy shapes what we do each and every day, so engaging in dialogue about it is a key element of our responsibility as a producer of pharmaceuticals and medical products. As an example, we organize the Eppendorf Dialogue on Health Policy (EDzG) event twice a year. Launched in 2006, it is now an established part of the overall discussion surrounding health policy in Germany. High-profile representatives from the fields of health policy, the medical and pharmaceutical professions, health insurers, the health economy, industry, associations and patient organizations come together at the event for public debate on current hot-button issues.
Our membership in Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie e. V., the association of the German pharmaceutical industry, also gives us opportunities to actively contribute to the association’s work. We join with other companies from the pharmaceutical industry in participating in current dialogue on topics in health policy, always with one goal in mind: to help shape a forward-looking healthcare sector.
Transparency
Dialogue also means transparency. The work done by patient organizations is a valuable part of our healthcare sector. These organizations act as a voice for patients, representing their interests and concerns. They participate in decision-making processes by individual patients and patient groups, provide advice and self-help resources and do outstanding work. They also help raise public awareness and understanding in the case of chronic, rare or serious diseases and conditions. We support the following patient organizations, in line with the principles laid out in the AKG Code:
We always need to align our goals to the needs of the various stakeholders in the health system.
Local commitment and involvement – our membership in the Arbeitgeberverband Nord employers’ association for northern Germany