This section will be updated regularly.
It was first published on 28 February 2020 and last updated on 26 October 2020
Members with sector-related requests around the COVID-19 pandemic can contact Philippe or Jan (*). Upon discussing the request/matter within the EIGA community, EIGA will take appropriate action (sharing information, setting up a temporary expert group, escalate to the EIGA Board, …) and feedback.
The MGC issued a response on 21 October 2020, for the ‘’Weekly update from EU Industry Trade Associations on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the supply of medicines in the Union/EEA. Report to the EU Executive Steering Group of Shortages of Medicines caused my major events’’:
Our industry of medical gases meets frequently. As result of this week’s meeting, we like to communicate to the EMA that our industry does currently not experience shortages of medical gases to the EU market, nor a significant demand increase.
Still, we like to ask EMA to remind the national competent authority of our document BN25/20 (attached) on regulatory flexibility during this pandemic 2nd Wave and to maintain these requested derogations for the coming winter period.
How EIGA supports our industry to continue to save lives:
- Briefing Note BN 27 (for members only) was issued to support the “Temporary Use of Equipment Not CE Marked as Devices in Medical Gas Service” during the pandemic for use in medical or breathing gas service.
- EIGA published a Briefing Note BN 26 (for members only) on how to disinfect cylinders, to assure the safety of operating staff and drivers, but also users and in addition to obtain a sufficient number of empty cylinders to assure the supply to healthcare facilities and homecare services. See also the related Doc 222.
- Issue a MGC Briefing Note BN 25 (for members only) with proposals for temporary derogation measures to support the continuation of supply of all medical gases to healthcare facilities and homecare services.
EIGA shares good practices, country implementation and status, actions our different members undertake, and other relevant information as provided by the National Associations and our members.
All EIGA meetings are changed to Net Meetings until further notice, but at least until 1 January 2021.