In 2024, 709 pharmaceutical and medical technology companies invested €292.7 million in partnerships with healthcare providers, institutions, and patient organisations in Belgium, according to the betransparent.be. platform.
These partnerships included exchanges of expertise, collaborations in scientific research, and sponsorships for medical training.
While they are deemed essential for medical progress and innovation in drugs and medical technologies, it is crucial to maintain “the independence of healthcare providers and institutions,” the platform stresses.
To ensure this independence and promote greater transparency towards the public, collaborations between the pharmaceutical and medical sectors are now disclosed through the betransparent.be registry.
Scientific research absorbed the largest share of investments, accounting for 60% or €176.6 million. The remaining funds went to scientific events, donations, grants, and consultancy services.
Specialist doctors were the primary beneficiaries of the partnerships, receiving 75.3% of the investments. They were followed by nurses (8.3%) and general practitioners (6.5%).
Among specialists, cardiologists received 10.6%, internists 8.6%, and surgeons 8%.
The betransparent.be platform comprises 30 associations from the Belgian health sector, including Pharma.be and the Belgian Association of Medical Specialists (ABSyM).
