A word from our
chief executive officer

Dear readers,

This annual report concludes an exciting and busy year, full of challenges for our agency. While our teams continue to feel the impact of the health crisis, in 2022 we have also been able to carry out many of the tasks that had been postponed due to the priorities resulting from COVID-19.

As a result, we initiated, managed or closed many “big” files. For example, our experts have guided and supported our stakeholders in the transition to the new European legislation for medicinal products for veterinary use and medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. A major challenger, especially as these changes radically impact our internal work processes.

To make our internal organisation as efficient as possible, the FAMHP also reorganised itself by setting up a new service which has gradually been expanding since September 2022: the Strategic Coordination. This service provides transversal strategic support to the Executive Council on strategic questions. Its aim is to support an internal dynamic within the FAMHP and contribute to a strong position of the agency, both nationally and internationally.

Another crucial task is to offer the best health care to Belgians: further efforts have been undertaken to face the shortage of medicines in Belgium and the European Union, in collaboration with other national and European institutions. Our services have thus worked hard to find solutions to ensure continuity in the treatment of Belgian patients. The first steps have been taken, namely through a Royal Decree published in early 2023. Other Royal Decrees are currently being finalised.

The year 2022 was also the year in which we prepared for future inspiring projects. For example, our International Relations Unit has started preparing for the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, that will take place in the first half of 2024. In particular, a working group on unmet medical need has been set up.

This annual report is presented in a dynamic format that focuses on transparency and data accuracy. The report contains all the results and figures of our services in 2022, with a special focus on new activities, upward and downward trends. We also take a closer look at large-scale projects, explained directly by the experts involved.

Finally, 2022 was also a preparatory year for a major transition, as 2023 will bring a new Chief Executive Officer to the FAMHP. This is the first time that our agency will undergo such a change, but I am confident that my successor will continue the work in a professional and qualitative manner.

I would like to thank all the employees of the FAMHP for their unconditional commitment and investment, particularly in recent years when the health crisis forced us to redouble our efforts to remedy the emergency while continuing our ongoing efforts for the health of patients and animals in our country, and even beyond, through our active participation in the European network.

I would also like to thank all the external partners of the FAMHP for their support and trust. Let’s continue to work together for the health of everyone.

Enjoy your reading.

Xavier De Cuyper
Chief Executive Officer FAMHP