The Health and Consumer Affairs Counsellor for the Spanish Permanent Representation gave a presentation on the health priorities of the Spanish Presidency and the framework of the trio presidency. In this article you can find a summary of topics discussed, as well as the powerpoint presentation given that day.
Enrique Garcia Terol, the Health and Consumer Affairs Counsellor for the Spanish Permanent Representation came to the EPHA offices to give a presentation on the health priorities of the Spanish Presidency and the framework of the trio presidency.
EPHA members had a coordination meeting prior to the presentation to discuss questions.
After presenting the priorities of public health for the three presidencies, Mr. Terol presented the three main priorities of the Spanish Presidency. The first is reducing health inequalities, the second is promoting organ donation and transplantation, and the third is clinical excellence and chronic diseases. Other priorities for the Spanish Presidency includes cross-border healthcare, e-Health, patient safety and HIV/AIDs.
Then, Mr. Terol highlighted the action being taken by the Spanish Presidency, such as organising high level conferences on the various topics. EPHA members who were present were informed that the Spanish Presidency will attempt to reschedule the High Level Conference on Mental health and Older Persons and the Informal Conference of Ministers of Health in June.
Mr. Terol expounded on the issue of cross-border healthcare. The Spanish Presidency is working to achieve a political agreement on cross border care before the end of its presidency. On this issue, Ms. Bara, the Director of Policy and Strategy for EPHA, welcomed the action taken by the Spanish Presidency, but highlighted that in the ideal situation, a patient would be able to receive proper healthcare in any country where he or she may reside.
Mr. Terol also was able to talk about developments in pharmaceutical policy, and explained the position of the Council to EPHA Members. The Council is trying to advance pharmacovigilance and counterfeit medicines proposals in order to ensure a high level of quality and safety in medicines and pharmaceutical products.
At the same time, Information to Patients is blocked in the Council, and the Spanish Presidency doesn’t want to advance the proposal as it stands. Mr. Terol explained that the proposal came DG Enterprise and was too industry-focused. The Council would prefer that the Commission write a new text ensuring a suitable level of information for the patient.
On the issue of alcohol, Mr. Terol said due to the complicated nature, it was not prioritised by the Spanish Presidency. However, alcohol will be a priority of the Hungarian Presidency.
The meeting was also an opportunity for EPHA members to hear about upcoming events, such as a conference on patient safety and antimicrobial resistance on the 3-4 June in Madrid, the High Level Group on Nutrition and Physical Activity on 16 June in Madrid, and the EPSSCO Council on the 7-8 of June in Brussels.
Mr. Terol`s presentation is available here.
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