Due to their specific characteristics, three major areas within Apifarma are dealt with within the scope of specialist Committees: Self-Medication, Diagnostic Devices and Veterinary.



However, the review of Apifarma's Articles of Association has made it possible to create, when justified, other specialist committees to monitor matters of particular relevance to the sector.



The Specialist Committee for Self-Medication (CEPA) is composed of an uneven number of members, up to nine. It seeks a greater liberalisation of non-prescription medicinal products, following what is already happening in most European Union countries.



In fact, international institutions such as the World Health Organisation recognise Self-Medication as a safe form of ensuring populations greater autonomy, strengthening their participation and citizenship.



For CEPA, this objective must signify the supply of accurate and clear information to patients, indispensable for responsible Self-Medication.



These measures will require the patients themselves to have a better understanding of and accessibility to products, thus reiterating the importance of the pharmacist's role in the entire process.



The Specialist Committee for Means of Diagnosis (CEMD) may be composed of a maximum number of seven members, who are appointed by the Executive Committee for an identical term.



It represents the sector of member companies that manufacture Medical Devices for in vitro Diagnosis, and it is responsible for studying and resolving the specific problems in this field of the healthcare industry. In its capacity as a member of the European Diagnostic Manufacturers' Association (EDMA), based in Brussels, CEMD monitors and intervenes in all work produced in the light of the European framework.



The important social role of this sector of economic activity is demonstrated by the fact that today laboratory tests are indispensable instruments for obtaining accurate information that makes possible to take the right decisions concerning the course of health care to be followed. Additionally, when used in prevention, diagnostic devices not only save human lives but also result in savings in Health expenditure for the State reaching billions of Escudos.



Issues associated with Animal Health are ever more on the agenda. In this context, the Specialist Committee for Animal Health (CESA) works together with the supervisory entities on the regulatory aspects of this activity.



Composed of five members, and a member of the European Federation for Animal Health (FEDESA), CESA carries out all initiatives necessary for the development of the sector, in line with the promotion of Public Health.



CESA also promotes the trade channels of veterinary products, so that the Animal Health market profile, which is difficult to assess, may be defined.