Marcello Cattani, the president of Farmindustria, recently spoke to the press in Rome, urging a balanced discussion on healthcare spending amidst recent controversies. He dismissed claims of out-of-control pharmaceutical expenses, explaining that spending increases where there is innovation. He noted that while there are structural factors such as population aging and rising comorbidities contributing to expenditure, there are also savings being realized in other areas, indicating that the concerns voiced are often misinformed.

Cattani emphasized that their focus on the pharmaceutical budget constitutes only a small percentage of overall healthcare investments, specifically 15.3% according to funding from the National Health Fund, while the remaining 85% is allocated to regional obligations. He pointed out the lack of transparency and effectiveness in the majority of health-related expenditures not tied to pharmaceuticals, prompting a need for a more encompassing approach to fiscal health management.

He also addressed the challenges posed by the international landscape, including trade tensions and newly imposed regulations like the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause introduced by the United States. Cattani's remarks highlight the complexities of managing health budgets in a rapidly evolving global market and stress the importance of innovation-driven investment in achieving better health outcomes for the population.