On 7 May, the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) met virtually with EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides (pictured) to discuss challenges faced by patients during COVID19.
This much needed meeting stemmed from the Commissioner’s concern that “no chronic patients should be left behind” during these unprecedented times, and in the long term that “patients need to be at the centre of the decision-making process”, which EPF strongly welcomed.
The meeting began with some opening remarks from the Commissioner, who briefly outlined how the Commission has been responding to the pandemic, highlighting weekly calls with national ministries of health, sharing guidelines and coordinating joint procurements of protective gear and ventilators.
EPF President Marco Greco highlighted that there has been little or no patient involvement in COVID19 decision-making processes. He mentioned that EPF has also strengthened its existing cooperation with the EMA, notably related to access to medicines and shortages. He then highlighted the key focus areas where the EPF has been targeting its work, namely ensuring continued access to timely treatment and care and the involvement of patients in strategies for de-confinement. Finally, he provided details on EPF’s presence and actions since the beginning of the pandemic, which included:
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issuing to-date four statements,
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the creation of an online COVID-19 Resource Point containing reliable information (credible figures, research articles and reports on COVID-19 and its effects on the patient and medical community),
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showcasing our members’ initiatives and other best practices,
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gathering testimonials from patients across the community.
