Sustainable well-being and economy through rational use of medicines
Fimea's role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal
By 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one third through prevention, treatment and promotion of health. Several of Fimea's duties play a significant role in ensuring sustainable well-being and economy.
Actions to achieve the goal
Fimea influences the regulatory work related to pharmacotherapy and the development of the pharmaceutical sector and acts as a pharmaceutical sector expert in numerous regulatory networks. The transforming guidelines of pharmacotherapy have a need for information that is more comprehensive and customised in its reporting.
The information generated and compiled at Fimea is essential for managing the overall pharmacotherapy of patients and for targeting pharmacotherapy to those who benefit from it. The information on medicinal products compiled and produced by Fimea to support their safe and appropriate use improves the quality and desired effects of pharmacotherapy. Fimea also produces and analyses information on the use of medicines and the functionality of pharmaceutical distribution for decision-making in society, which supports equality and the sustainability of public finances. For example, Fimea monitors the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy for older people and the economic efficiency of supplying pharmacies' medicinal products.
Fimea carries out assessments of new medicines to be purchased for hospitals to support decision-making. The assessments summarise and assess research evidence on the benefits, disadvantages, costs and cost-effectiveness of pharmacotherapy compared to other treatment options. This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) carried out by Fimea, its national coordination and support for the procurement of medicines used in hospitals are increasingly important tasks for society's economy, as many medicinal products are granted a marketing authorisation with less research evidence than before, and pharmaceutical companies primarily set high prices for products.
Now misinformation spreads easily through different communication channels, which is why Fimea shares reliable information on medicines in different communication channels. For example, Fimea is responsible for the National Medicines Information Strategy and coordinates the activities of the Medicines Information Network. Fimea also maintains its own patient advisory board and participates in the networks of the Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety. The aim of all cooperation is to produce and share reliable information on medicines to different target groups and stakeholders.