Health policy to target jobs and growth

The European Commission will publish next week (23 October) a white paper on challenges for EU health policy.

But the most sensitive area for EU health services - treatments and refunding healthcare costs across borders - will not be tackled until 20 November, with a ‘community framework for safe and efficient health services’.

The white paper will look at ways healthcare could be used to meet Lisbon Agenda goals for growth and jobs, as well as ways of including health concerns in all policies, such as the development of a healthy work environment. It will also examine health risks associated with climate change.

The white paper is expected to set up three new strategy groups to look at healthy ageing, new healthcare technologies and protecting citizens from new health risks - including climate change.

Although the paper will, according to Commission planning papers, "strengthen co-operation between national health systems", detailed proposals for cross-border healthcare will not appear until next month. The health services framework will tackle "uncertainties over application of community law to health services that create obstacles to cross-border healthcare".

Caroline Bollars from the European Public Health Alliance said that she hoped the networks and partnerships set up by the white paper would be beneficial for citizens and for non-governmental organisations.

The framework directive follows a series of court judgements on EU citizens’ rights to receive - and be refunded for - healthcare received outside their home country.

Lisette Tiddens-Engwirda of CPME, the EU doctors’ organisation said that her group would welcome both proposals.

The European Commission will publish next week (23 October) a white paper on challenges for EU health policy.