Dolors Montserrat welcomes saving of 58 million euros stemming from centralised procurement of vaccines

She said this on Wednesday, at the plenary session of the Lower House of Parliament, in response to a question on the results achieved by the Government of Spain in terms of vaccination agreements. The Spanish minister highlighted the excellent work carried out by the Government of Spain in the last legislature on centralised vaccine procurement, which "has positioned Spain among the most advanced countries in the European Union".

Dolors Montserrat underlined the effectiveness of the framework agreements, which has led to simpler procurement processes, increased supply guarantee and the encouragement of innovations. The Minister for Health said the agreements have facilitated planning by authorities and benefited the National Health System "thanks to the 158 million euros saved since 2012".

The minister also wished to highlight the approval of the third Framework Agreement on 25 November "with a view to consolidating and further developing these advances". This agreement, which was ratified by the Council of Ministers and will remain in effect for three years plus a possible one-year extension, provides for the initial procurement of 20.9 million doses. This will require an investment of 325 million euros and will lead to a saving of 58 million euros for both the regional governments and the State.

This Framework Agreement has been voluntarily signed by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of the Treasury and Public Function, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, and 14 regional governments. Dolors Montserrat wanted to underline her department's wish for the future incorporation of those regional governments that have decided not to form part of this agreement, the Basque Country, Andalusia and the Region of Valencia.

Finally, the Spanish minister has insured that her ministerial department will continue increasing the level of cohesion on such an important issue as vaccination "in the best interests of all citizens, especially our children".