In an era where digital innovation is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery, ensuring equitable access to essential medicines remains a pressing concern across Europe. On 20 March 2025, the Online Order and Home Delivery of Medicines Alliance (OnHOME) convened a high-level event at the European Parliament in partnership with MEP Kristian Vigenin to explore how digital health technologies can bridge disparities in medicine access. Bringing together stakeholders from across healthcare, government and civil society, the event highlighted the potential of digital tools—ranging from e-prescriptions to online pharmacies—to mitigate medicine shortages and provide more inclusive access for underserved populations, especially those in rural or remote regions.
Digital Infrastructure and Legislative Momentum
The event began with an acknowledgement of the progress already made in national digital health initiatives. Bulgaria, for instance, has developed a National Health Information System capable of managing hundreds of millions of health records and digital processes like e-prescriptions. Despite this progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in medicine availability for populations in sparsely served areas. The Bulgarian experience, as shared by national representatives, underscored the importance of both continued investment in infrastructure and the necessity of transnational coordination. Digitalisation must not only modernise national systems but also be harmonised across EU member states through legislative support. Tools like the European Health Data Space (EHDS) were recognised as critical instruments to achieve this. However, for such tools to deliver tangible benefits, healthcare workers must be supported with training, and systems must be implemented in ways that enhance patient choice without replacing human care.
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A significant barrier to success lies in the fragmented nature of pharmaceutical regulations across the EU. Current legislation often limits the online availability of prescription medicines to select regions or countries, leaving others with reduced options. Stakeholders pointed out that outdated restrictions undermine the capacity of digital health platforms to support equitable healthcare. A unified framework, paired with modernised legislation such as the proposed amendment to Article 172 of the General Pharmaceutical Legislation, could remove these disparities. Such an update would not only facilitate cross-border access to medicines but also improve supply chain transparency and efficiency through digital platforms, contributing to the goals outlined in the Critical Medicines Act.
Patient-Centred Innovation Through Digital Tools
Discussions among panelists revealed how digital solutions are already transforming the patient experience in some regions while highlighting the unmet needs in others. E-pharmacies and home delivery services, particularly when integrated with telepharmacy and e-prescription systems, offer new opportunities for patients who are chronically ill, elderly or face mobility challenges. Countries such as Estonia and Sweden provide successful models where patients can monitor medicine availability and request prescriptions through digital portals. These services not only enhance convenience but have also been linked to improved adherence to treatment plans, a critical factor in preventing premature deaths due to skipped medication regimens.
The role of patient organisations in promoting these innovations was particularly notable. In Latvia, digital advances made during the pandemic laid a foundation for further development, but the lack of services such as home delivery for prescription medicines still presents challenges. It was argued that empowering patients through access to digital options must be coupled with improved health literacy. Many patients lack clear, reliable sources of health information and remain vulnerable to misinformation. Increasing awareness and trust in verified digital health services, supported by accessible education campaigns and patient advocacy, are essential next steps. Moreover, the active involvement of patients in shaping healthcare policies can ensure that digital innovations genuinely meet their needs.
Cancer patients, in particular, stand to benefit greatly from improved digital access. Frequent medication refills, immune vulnerabilities and fatigue make travel to physical pharmacies difficult. The availability of safe, regulated online access could dramatically improve their quality of life and health outcomes. However, any advancement in digital access must be anchored in patient safety and governed by robust regulations, such as those included in the Falsified Medicines Directive and the EHDS. Stakeholders emphasised that digital platforms must be secure and transparent, offering services without compromising clinical oversight or authenticity.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the clear potential of digital solutions, implementation is not without challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the uneven availability of funding to update infrastructure and develop interoperable systems across the EU. Health systems often struggle with the high cost of digital upgrades, and there is still resistance to change among both providers and patients. These obstacles call for a dual approach: investing in scalable infrastructure while also fostering a cultural shift through digital literacy and professional training. Education initiatives must target both healthcare providers and the public to ensure widespread understanding and adoption of digital tools.
Panellists also addressed the risks of restricting access to regulated digital platforms. Limiting online healthcare options can inadvertently drive patients toward unregulated, potentially unsafe alternatives. Instead, policymakers should aim to expand legitimate digital services under strict regulatory frameworks that guarantee safety and quality. These safeguards, such as the EU Common Logo identifying authorised e-pharmacies, are essential in building trust and guiding users toward reliable care.
The need for collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, technology developers and patients was a consistent theme throughout the event. Only through collective action can Europe develop a digital health environment that serves all citizens equally. This includes standardising digital services, removing cross-border barriers and aligning policy with emerging needs. Furthermore, any new legislation or initiative must be grounded in data and patient experience, with rigorous impact assessments ensuring that no population is left behind.
The OnHOME Alliance event at the European Parliament made clear that digital health solutions hold transformative potential for improving access to medicines across Europe. Yet their successful deployment requires more than technological readiness—it depends on inclusive policies, sufficient investment, patient-centred design and the strengthening of trust through education and regulation. As the EU continues to revise its pharmaceutical legislation and implements new frameworks like the Critical Medicines Act, there is a vital opportunity to enshrine digital access as a cornerstone of equitable healthcare. With coordinated efforts and a shared commitment to innovation, Europe can ensure that no patient’s location or circumstances determine their ability to receive essential medicines.
Source: EHMA
Image Credit: Freepik
