Putting Citizens at the center of Health Policy begins with guaranteeing patients rights are respected.
The reinforcement of Patients' rights will become effective only with the cooperation and commitment of all healthcare stakeholders in every EU country. It is thus essential to increase awareness regarding the importance of patients' rights and everyone's responsibilities in guaranteeing their respect.
We believe that celebrating a European Patients' Rights Day every year in all EU Member States is greatly contributing to this goal. It is common occasion to inform, discuss and take commitments to improve patients' rights in Europe and put citizens at the center of health policy.
During the IV EPRD, in the morning, the MEPs presented a Declaration for the institutionalization of the European Patients’ Rights Day (n.41/2010) and there were the speeches of the representative from important European networks and institutions supporting the Day and the Declaration. The afternoon session was dedicated to sharing innovative experiences regarding citizen and patient participation in health policy specifically regarding HTA and evaluating health services.
During the conference it was stated that if organizations and associations want to continue to move forward in developing a policy on patients’ rights in Europe, it is necessary that the question regarding the concrete condition of citizens facing health facilities in Europe is put on the table, and taken into account when discussing and more importantly when deciding on the sustainability of health systems. Concerning this, data coming from patients’-citizens’ groups can help fill the information gaps resulting from the official sources.
Date of the European celebration: 6th may 2010
Place: European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
Under the patronage of:
- European Parliament
- European Economic and Social Committee
- Mr. John Dalli member of the European Commission
With the support of:
- Gruppo di alleanza progressista dei Socialisti & Democratici al Parlamento europeo
- Alliance of Liberals and democrats for Europe
National events:
Materials
- Download here
- Programme of the European conference with speechs and papers
- To know more about the celebration, click here.