Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP)

From 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024, Belgium chaired the Council of the European Union, the body in which the 27 member states set the political direction and priorities of the European Union. During this period, the FAMHP organised over 20 events and meetings to promote cooperation and dialogue among member states and with European institutions. In addition, the FAMHP provided expertise to many important European initiatives. Time for a recap.

Although 2023 saw an increase in notifications regarding temporary unavailability of medicines, the agency once again demonstrated its effectiveness in ensuring the most efficient possible management of medicine stocks, as in the case of thrombolytics. The FAMHP also played its part in protecting public health by increasing the number of investigations into illegal medicines and devices by 30 %, and of inspections of pharmacies open to the public by over 40 %.

On 17 and 18 April, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP), the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) and the Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) organised a high-level conference on health-related needs as drivers for healthcare policy and innovation. This conference was organised in the context of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU. The aim is to establish a research and innovation ecosystem that focuses on the most pressing health...

The FAMHP and Sciensano are warning about counterfeit ivermectin tablets that are being used for self-medication against COVID-19. Investigations show that these counterfeit ivermectin tablets are systematically underdosed or seriously contaminated with bacteria. In 2021, a total of 12 529 counterfeit ivermectin tablets originating from postal packages were seized. These tablets are regularly found in postal packages to this day.

In Belgium, each individual, after their death, is presumed to be a potential donor. Since 2020, as well as organ donation, any Belgian citizen has had the option to express their will, explicit consent or opposition to the post-mortem donation of human body material like skin, cartilage, tendons or heart values for transplantation, the manufacture of medicines (advanced therapies) and for scientific research.

Hugues Malonne appointed new FAMHP Chief Executive Officer by the federal government

Although the FAMHP's staff continued to feel the effects of the health crisis, in 2022 they were also able to complete many tasks that had been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. Various “major” files were started, followed up or closed. For example, new initiatives were launched in collaboration with other national and European institutions to combat the shortage of medicines in Belgium and the European Union. The annual report provides an overview of the FAMHP's main activities and...

2021 was the year we gradually returned to our normal way of working at the FAMHP. The high workload caused by the pandemic remained present, but numerous other important projects awaited us, such as the implementation of several European legislations. In addition to the traditional facts and figures, the 2021 annual report includes testimonials that demonstrate the commitment and professionalism of our staff. 

In addition to the usual facts and figures, the FAMHP's 2020 annual report includes testimonials from staff members who had to face difficult situations in the field. These stories show that there was tremendous stress and pressure, but also a lot of dedication and professionalism. You might recognize some topics from the daily press coverage we received at the time. Other topics give you a glimpse behind the scenes. In any case, you can now read at first-hand how our staff helped create...