The European Union and health policy

Book abstract:

The European Union has no direct involvement in the delivery of health services in its Member States, however the Single European Market has provided the EU with a range of responsibilities in relation to health. This book examines the growing role of the European Union in health policy and aims to show the range of the EU's involvement in health-related issues and the political character of the health policy issues concerning the EU.

The book is divided into two parts. The first, entitled 'The European Communities' Developing Role in Health', begins with a general introduction to the topic followed by a discussion of the role of the European Community in health and safety at work. Chapter 3 examines the relationship between the health professions and the EC. Taking the EC's objective of unfettered movement for Community citizens, it looks at issues regarding health professionals working in Member States other than their own. The fourth chapter examines the relationship between the EU and the pharmaceutical industry followed by the final chapter of the first part that looks at the rise of the EU's public-health competence.

Part 2, 'The European Union and Health' begins with a chapter on BSE and the effect that this has had on European health and policy making. Chapter 7 both looks at the work that the EU has to do to promote and assist Member States to run their health services effectively and also examines the role of telematics in health care. Finally, the EU's role in overcoming inequalities and social exclusion in health care is examined.

The book would be suited to both students and practitioners. Ed Randall is Lecturer in Social Policy and Politics at Goldsmiths College, University of London.