Health spending should be considered as long-term investment, not short-term cost.
The Danish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry, LIF, highlights a new report from EFPIA arguing that investing in prevention, early detection and effective treatment can improve outcomes while strengthening public finances.
What the report highlights
-
Five major chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, stroke and breast cancer) are estimated to cost the EU over €530 billion per year, more than 3% of GDP.
-
Much of today’s spending is described as going to treating consequences rather than avoiding disease.
-
The report points to potential positive returns: for each euro invested in better prevention and treatment, society may receive a positive payback in some cases.
Examples cited
-
Earlier bowel cancer diagnosis is associated with survival increasing from 10% (stage 4) to 90% (stage 1) and costs estimated to be 2.6x lower.
-
Scaling treatment for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and breast cancer is estimated to deliver a return on investment of €1.1–€4.9 per €1 invested.
Read more at https://www.lif.dk/ny-rapport-sundhed-er-en-investering-ikke-en-udgift/
