04/04/2007: The importance of sensibilising politicians and civil society to patient's rights and needs was stressed by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR) during her speech on the occasion of the European Patient's Rights Day, organised by Active Citizenship Network.
The MEP emphasised that European citizens due to the EU-principle of freedom of movement have the possibility to get medical treatment in a member state other than their country of residence with the same conditions as local inhabitants. This is possible due to the EU Health Insurance Card. However, the MEP regretted the fact that there are still differences in health care systems between the Member States which lead to the so-called "health care shopping". Therefore, Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou insisted that public authorities should strengthen and maintain citizen's confidence, especially by offering quality health care services in the whole EU.
The MEP pointed out that it is also important to consider the gender differences in medical care, especially concerning clinical tests of drugs and some gender specific illnesses such as osteoporosis which affects more women than men. Furthermore, Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou insisted on the fact that the health care system should consider the principle of gender equality. She also underlined that all women in Europe should benefit from quality health care and medical treatment during pregnancy and maternity.
The Greek MEP reminded as well the necessity to sensibilise the medical staff to the rights of children patients. She underlined the fact that more than half of the drugs used by children have never been tested for that purpose. "This is unacceptable", said Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and emphasized that children should get special produced drugs according to their age and should not be treated as "little adults". She also added that "the adoption of the Regulation on medicinal products for paediatric use is a very important tool for care system based on the needs of children".
For further information:
Maria Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847447
The MEP emphasised that European citizens due to the EU-principle of freedom of movement have the possibility to get medical treatment in a member state other than their country of residence with the same conditions as local inhabitants. This is possible due to the EU Health Insurance Card. However, the MEP regretted the fact that there are still differences in health care systems between the Member States which lead to the so-called "health care shopping". Therefore, Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou insisted that public authorities should strengthen and maintain citizen's confidence, especially by offering quality health care services in the whole EU.
The MEP pointed out that it is also important to consider the gender differences in medical care, especially concerning clinical tests of drugs and some gender specific illnesses such as osteoporosis which affects more women than men. Furthermore, Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou insisted on the fact that the health care system should consider the principle of gender equality. She also underlined that all women in Europe should benefit from quality health care and medical treatment during pregnancy and maternity.
The Greek MEP reminded as well the necessity to sensibilise the medical staff to the rights of children patients. She underlined the fact that more than half of the drugs used by children have never been tested for that purpose. "This is unacceptable", said Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and emphasized that children should get special produced drugs according to their age and should not be treated as "little adults". She also added that "the adoption of the Regulation on medicinal products for paediatric use is a very important tool for care system based on the needs of children".
For further information:
Maria Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847447
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