Published: May 2026

European Parliament, Brussels, 13 May 2025 – Organised by MEP Ondrej Dostal (NI, Czech Republic), the event “Digital Access to Medicines for a Stronger EU Health System” brought together EU policymakers, patient representatives, and healthcare professionals to explore how advancing digital access to medicines can strengthen cross-border healthcare, enhance health system resilience, and address healthcare workforce shortages.

The EU has invested billions in digital health and made significant progress on major initiatives, yet regulatory fragmentation across Member States continues to prevent millions of patients living with chronic conditions or requiring repeat prescriptions from accessing safe digital pharmacy services. Currently, only 8 EU Member States allow online access to prescription medicines, while 19 do not, leading to a digital health divide across Europe. Patient access to digital health services is currently determined more by geography than by healthcare needs.  

Against a backdrop of an ageing population, a strained health workforce, and rising cross-border patient mobility, the event presented two key documents: an updated Call to Action from the Online Order and Home Delivery of Medicines Alliance (OnHOME Alliance) and the significant findings of a pan-European patient survey on digital access to medicines led by the University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the OnHOME Alliance. 

Delivering the opening remarks, MEP Ondřej Dostál set the tone for the day’s discussions by framing digital access to medicines as both a legal and political imperative, while also introducing broader discussions on the future of the pharmaceutical market, including technical and cross-border healthcare considerations.

Robust patient data underscores the case for change

Oksana Pyzik, MPharm, MRPharmS, FHEA, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice & Policy at UCL School of Pharmacy, presented the significant findings of a pan-European patient survey conducted by the OnHOME Alliance partners in collaboration with the UCL School of Pharmacy. The survey was carried out across 24 EU countries through 23 patient organisations and drew on responses from more than 500 patients living with a wide range of chronic conditions. 93% of patients expressed a desire for access to an online home-delivery service for prescription medicines, with 79% of respondents believing online access would support medication adherence, 84% saying it would facilitate prescription refills. 

Pyzik underlined the scale and significance of the data by further highlighting qualitative insights from patients: “A Czech patient underlined that when they’re feeling unwell, they often feel very weak and would appreciate having medication delivered to their home, to ensure they can focus on resting and following their treatment plan. The patient also noted that traveling is exhausting and that they prefer avoiding germs in pharmacies, hospitals and on public transport”. 

A Call to modernise, harmonise, and put patients first

Building on the survey results, Martino Canonico, Head of Brussels Office at the European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP), presented the updated OnHOME Alliance Call to Action. He argued that the safety measures are already in place in the EU, but policies at EU and country level need to be updated to reflect today’s reality of patients’ needs: “Unlocking digital access to medicines is about equity, resilience, and putting patients first across the EU. It’s time to modernise and harmonise so every European can benefit from safe online access, no matter where they live.” The Call to Action urges policymakers to recognise digital access to prescription medicines as a core pillar of continuity of care and healthcare system resilience; to remove outdated national restrictions preventing patients from obtaining medicines safely online; to ensure EU-wide interoperability through the European Health Data Space and the EU Digital Identity Wallet; to promote telepharmacy services; and to build public trust through patient education and the EU Common Logo for registered e-pharmacies.

Conclusion: a need for EU-wide action

Panellists explored the lived realities of patients depending on uninterrupted access to treatment and discussed the role of digital tools in empowering patients, supporting caregivers, and driving equitable outcomes across the EU.

The event reaffirmed the urgent need to translate existing EU legislative frameworks into tangible benefits for patients. Stakeholders called on policymakers to seize the current legislative momentum, including the implementation of the European Health Data Space, and the rollout of the EU Digital Identity Wallet to ensure that all patients, regardless of where they live, can safely and conveniently access their prescription medicines online.

For more information about the OnHOME Alliance and its mission, please visit our website https://onhomealliance.pharmacy/ 

Contact: Martino Canonico Head of Brussels Office, EAEP martino.canonico@eaep.com +32 493842577 

About the OnHOME Alliance: The OnHOME Alliance is a group of 45 patient organisations and other active stakeholders in the healthcare community determined to advocate for all Member States to allow their patients the choice to obtain their prescription medicines online and get them delivered at home by registered pharmacies. Through advocacy efforts, the OnHOME Alliance aims to build momentum for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to modernising healthcare access across Europe