AESGP "Prevention through Self-Care" conference in Warsaw on the role of self-medication and OTC drugs

On June 3-4, 2025, the 61st International Conference organized by AESGP in cooperation with PASMI, the Polish Association of Over-the-Counter Medicines Producers, will take place in Warsaw. The event brings together over 300 representatives of the healthcare sector from all over Europe. The main topic of the meeting is the role of over-the-counter (OTC) products and self-medication in modern healthcare systems - in the face of an aging society, rising healthcare costs and the planned reform of EU pharmaceutical law.

As the organizers emphasize, self-medication in Europe is playing an increasingly important role in health prevention: every year, approximately 1.2 billion minor ailments are treated with OTC drugs. This form of care significantly relieves the system - self-medication of minor ailments generates savings of around EUR 40 billion per year, and reducing visits to primary care physicians by even 10-25 percent could bring an additional EUR 17 billion in savings. Experts also indicate that every EUR 1 spent on self-medication generates approximately EUR 6.7 in savings for the healthcare system.

Speaking at the conference, Adam Jarubas, MEP and Chair of the Public Health Committee (SANT), highlighted specific data confirming the importance of self-care for healthcare systems and the economy: "Every year, more than 1.2 billion minor ailments are treated in Europe without having to see a doctor. This relieves healthcare systems, avoiding 120 million consultations per year - the equivalent of 36,000 doctors. What's more, every euro invested in self-care can bring up to 6.90 euros in economic benefits. This is a clear signal that prevention and citizens' health independence must become the cornerstone of our healthcare policy."

The conference also discusses how self-medication affects the work of doctors. It was pointed out that if every patient with a minor ailment consulted a primary care physician, it would be necessary to employ an additional 120,000 primary care physicians throughout the EU. In light of this data, the need to develop patients' health competences and health education is emphasized so that they can safely and effectively cope with common ailments themselves.

"The AESGP conference is taking place at a crucial time as we experience major demographic changes, face deregulation issues and breakthrough technological innovations. As the European Union prepares to implement one of the most profound reforms of pharmaceutical law in its history, we must ensure that OTC medicines and the principle of self-care find their place in it. Let us remember that self-medication is not a fad, but a necessity of ageing societies and overburdened healthcare systems," said Ewa Jankowska, president of PASMI, the Polish Association of Over-the-Counter Medicines Manufacturers.

Digital innovations in healthcare are also an important part of the discussion. Experts point out that artificial intelligence can bring significant benefits in the context of self-care, enabling a more personalized approach to prevention and early detection of health problems. The conference program includes a session devoted to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in the self-care sector. Issues of electronic product information (ePI), which can facilitate patients' access to transparent and up-to-date information about medicines and supplements, will also be discussed.

In addition, panels are planned on the regulation of dietary supplements and medical devices. For example, one of the sessions will present the results of a new study on the value of vitamins and minerals in supplements, taking into account the current legal framework and proposals for maximum levels of these ingredients in the EU. The debates will also address regulatory issues regarding medical devices used in self-medication.

The conference is attended by representatives of European institutions - including the European Commission and the European Parliament - as well as national health institutions and leaders of the pharmaceutical industry. The organizers emphasize that the meeting is an opportunity to exchange experiences and shape the future health policy of the EU.