The European Patients’ Forum (EPF) has issues a statement, “High time for enhanced European coordination and competence on health”, calling for a greater action on health at the EU level. The statement highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed gaps and weaknesses in national health systems, noting that the patient community had long been aware of such issues. Additionally, the EPF highlights the need for enhanced European collaboration and competence strengthen health systems, as well as outlining the importance of health as both a European and global health policy priority.
The EPF statement explored issues around:
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A coordinated European approach to protect health
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Better utilising existing EU mechanisms and instruments
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More investment in health, coordinated by a dedicated EU health programme
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A stronger mandate and resources for the European Commission, European Medicines Agency and the European Centre of Disease Control
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An enhanced and meaningful role to allow for the contribution of civil society, patient and health organisations.
You can read the EPF’s full statement here: http://pr.euractiv.com/pr/high-time-enhanced-european-coordination-and-competence-health-203873
