More than 200 organisations representing a range of public health NGOs, patient groups, health professionals and disease groups have today written to President Juncker to express their concern about the future of Health in European policies and programmes, following the publication of the European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe.
Health is absolutely and unequivocally a core business of the EU. More health is needed to unlock the full potential of economic and social policies. Since 70% of Europeans want the EU to do more for health, it is essential that the EU continues to deliver results that make a tangible difference in the daily lives of its citizens and thus re-establish people’s trust in its institutions. The signatories are calling for greater EU action in the field of health that brings the EU closer to its citizens, by protecting patients and consumers and improving people’s health. They are also calling for EU action on health which fosters cross-country collaboration, integrates the actions of EU national governments and helps them to tackle the unprecedented challenges they are facing. The letter also calls for EU action on health supported by a robust EU Health Programme and the leadership of a dedicated Directorate in the European Commission.
They have also requested a meeting with President Juncker at his earliest convenience to explore these issues in more detail and agree a viable way forward.
