Brussels: European Union (EU) negotiators have agreed on rules aimed at using public funds to support the production of vital medicines, in an effort to address drug shortages. The measures are designed to strengthen the bloc's pharmaceutical supply chains and reduce dependence on external suppliers, representatives of the European Parliament and EU member states said.

According to Oman News Agency, the new rules are set to provide a framework for increasing local production of essential medicines, thereby addressing a significant issue of drug shortages faced by EU countries. The initiative aims to create a more resilient pharmaceutical sector by encouraging local manufacturing and reducing reliance on non-EU countries for critical drug components.

'With today's agreement, we are taking practical action to reduce bottlenecks, diversify supply chains and enhance Europe's ability to produce critical medicines and their components locally,' said Cypriot Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency. The agreement comes at a time when the EU is actively seeking to bolster its self-sufficiency in health-related sectors, especially after experiencing significant supply chain disruptions during recent global health crises.