EU Committee discusses proposed healthcare directive
by di-ve.com - editorial@di-ve.comCurrent Affairs -- 06 November 2008 -- 20:40CEST
A European Commission proposal on the rights of patients in cross-border healthcare was the focus of a meeting by the Social Section of the European Economic and Social Committee on Tuesday.
The EESC, a consultative assembly composed of employers, employees and representatives of various other interests, was consulted by the Commission to draft an opinion on the subject.
The draft opinion was adopted by an overwhelming majority at the November 4 meeting.
Health Commissioner Androulla Vassilou, speaking at the meeting, praised the opinion, which she described as excellent, and welcomed the recommendations for improving the proposed directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.
She expressed her hope that the European Parliament and Council would be inspired by the EESC’s work in this area, and guaranteed that the Commission would be studying it very carefully.
The aim of the proposed directive is to enable patients to exercise their right to choose the best possible treatment and to clarify when and at what cost treatment abroad can be sought.
It would also establish a framework for the exchange and pooling of information, experience and the results of healthcare research across the EU, which would improve overall quality and safety of healthcare,
The directive would be particularly relevant to the treatment of rare diseases.
The EESC’s draft opinion maintained that the original proposal risked increasing health inequalities in the EU, as well as undermining the financial sustainability or service capacity of health systems in some member states. It also questioned a proposed system of prior authorisation, definitions of hospital and non-hospital care and a scheme to provide information to patients.
The opinion will be discussed and voted on at an EESC plenary session to be held on December 4-5, 2008.
The draft opinion was adopted by an overwhelming majority at the November 4 meeting.
Health Commissioner Androulla Vassilou, speaking at the meeting, praised the opinion, which she described as excellent, and welcomed the recommendations for improving the proposed directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.
She expressed her hope that the European Parliament and Council would be inspired by the EESC’s work in this area, and guaranteed that the Commission would be studying it very carefully.
The aim of the proposed directive is to enable patients to exercise their right to choose the best possible treatment and to clarify when and at what cost treatment abroad can be sought.
It would also establish a framework for the exchange and pooling of information, experience and the results of healthcare research across the EU, which would improve overall quality and safety of healthcare,
The directive would be particularly relevant to the treatment of rare diseases.
The EESC’s draft opinion maintained that the original proposal risked increasing health inequalities in the EU, as well as undermining the financial sustainability or service capacity of health systems in some member states. It also questioned a proposed system of prior authorisation, definitions of hospital and non-hospital care and a scheme to provide information to patients.
The opinion will be discussed and voted on at an EESC plenary session to be held on December 4-5, 2008.