The EU should procure and distribute medical supplies – MEP Miriam Dalli
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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread to every corner of the continent, nations and hospitals are struggling to secure the necessary medical equipment required to support the increasing number of patients.
In this context, Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli is pushing for a coordinated effort to ensure that medical equipment is distributed amongst all member states. This can be achieved, she is arguing, by the European Union jointly procuring medically equipment, that can then be used across member states. Buying in larger quantities will also ensure better prices for all.
A joint procurement excercises has already been carried out for items such as masks, face-shields, surgical gowns and other protective gear.
Speaking to the Times of Malta, Dalli said that “This is the time for real solidarity. A coordinated effort is needed to ensure that medical equipment is distributed among all member states.”
The Vice-President of the Socialist Group in Parlaiment insisted that rather than EU country trying to do it locally, a coordinated EU effort could ensure that life-saving equipment is distributed more fairly. This should also apply to the procurement of the vaccine against COVID-19, once it becomes available.”
The Maltese MEP is also part of a task force which is currently drafting a plan consisting of measures intending to fight the pandemic but also prepare Europe’s approach for what happens after the crisis over. This plan should be presented to the European Council and the European Commission.
