In 2009 the European Commission launched a public consultation on tackling health inequalities as part of the EU Health Strategy “Together for Health”. EPF consulted its membership and developed a response, framed around our vision of high quality, patient-centred, equitable healthcare across the European Union, and our strategic goals on equity, empowerment and inclusion.
Based on the public consultation, the Commission published a Communication titled “Solidarity in health: reducing health inequalities in the EU” From the patients’ perspective, the Communication was less than satisfactory, with no reference to the particular needs of patients or the importance of health literacy.
The European Parliament recently prepared a report on health inequalities, which is scheduled for vote in the early part of 2011. EPF submitted a position statement and proposed some amendments, to reflect the concerns that were first raised in our member consultation and discussion in our Policy Advisory Group.
EPF plans to undertake a further member consultation during 2011, to gather more data and update the situation at national level, as well as in specific disease-areas. In the meantime, we warmly encourage member organisations to share their evidence and perspectives relating to health inequalities.
See also:- Health literacy- Information to patients
EPF position on the Estrela report (December 2010)
EPF response to the Commission consultation (April 2009)