The question of health sovereignty is at the heart of political and social debates. This notion, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a shortage of several drugs and medical devices. Corsica is not spared. Between geographical particularities, crisis management and innovation projects, the island seeks to strengthen its autonomy in matters of public health.
Health sovereignty
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been promoting the concept of health sovereignty, or “the capacity of States to ensure the right to health protection”. The government wants to relocalize certain industries or protect them from takeover by foreign groups. The announcement of the sale of part of the capital of Opella, a subsidiary of Sanofi, provoked strong reactions from employees, who went on strike to protest against this takeover by the American investment fund CD & R, and by the government which sees its health strategy losing a major player. Indeed, Opella produces around a hundred consumer medicines, including Doliprane, the best-selling paracetamol-based analgesic in France. The participation of the State, which has become a minority shareholder, will not prevent the laboratory from focusing on biopharmaceuticals, a sector that it considers more sustainable in the long term. The company’s interests are not compatible with the state’s health strategy.
Policies in question
The relocation of drug production is a long-term project. We must remedy the decline of French industry, which began at the turn of the 1990s, when French and European laboratories began to relocate and subcontract their production of active ingredients to countries outside the EU. 40% of medicines marketed in the European Union today come from countries outside the continent, while 60% to 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced in China and India. In 2023, a Senate commission of inquiry produced a report with 36 recommendations to activate levers at each level of the drug chain. The commission called for decompartmentalizing medicines policies, too often carried out in silos, to regain an overall vision of the very complex chain of health products and to finally tackle the root causes of shortages. Health professionals, who have been sounding the alarm for many years, are awaiting concrete measures to avoid supply tensions on certain medicines, including some essential ones.
A particular health context
Corsica faces unique health challenges. The geographical distance from the continent makes access to care more complex. According to the Regional Health Observatory (ORS), Corsicans often have to travel for specialized treatments, which causes delays and additional costs. The management of tourist flows, particularly important for the island economy, also represents a major health issue. Many local actors, including elected officials and health professionals, are calling for greater autonomy. They believe that the management of medical resources should be decentralized. This desire is reflected in initiatives aimed at strengthening local health structures.
Current initiatives
To respond to these issues and improve access to care, several projects are underway. The creation of a territorial health center, to bring together health services, is envisaged. In addition, collaborations are being developed with universities and research centers to train health professionals on the island. The ARS of Corsica encourages experiments with new health organizations, aimed at improving the efficiency of the system and access to care. These initiatives could help strengthen the island’s health resilience. Despite these advances, challenges persist. Corsica must in particular strengthen its hospital capacities and attract more health professionals to meet the needs of its population. Corsica’s health sovereignty is part of a broader reflection on the island’s autonomy. It raises complex questions about the balance between local specificities and the national framework.
Maria Mariana
Photo: M.M
