Commissioner Vassiliou fears for health during EU downturn

Rumours are circulating that EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou sent a letter to her colleagues in the Commission, urging them to emphasise the need to act to address rising public health challenges thrown up by the recession which could, she fears, affect future generations.

Fears of long-term consequences on health

The financial downturn could significantly increase cancer, mental illness and other diseases across Europe unless member states take stronger remedial action, the Health Commissioner has warned.

Androulla Vassiliou is concerned that short-term pressures on government spending, combined with the broader effects of the economic crisis, would have negative long-term consequences for health.

Evidence of pressures on health includes reports of declining sales at pharmaceutical companies late last year, as people failed to seek or comply with treatment because they have lost their jobs or are not adequately insured.

Health and the economy are closely interlinked

"In times of crisis, there is a danger that policy makers think in the short-term. Often the first instinct is to jettison health and social issues in an attempt to try to rein in spending."

"Some Member States have already announced cuts to their health budgets, making progress in public health even more difficult. More than ever, health is competing with other priorities. But in fact, in an economic crisis it is all the more important to address key health issues because health and the economy are closely interlinked."

"Good health has a positive impact on the economy as a whole. If our workers and citizens are healthy, we are more likely to achieve a successful and wealthy Europe."

"A population in good health translates into a strong, productive labour force that takes fewer days off sick; that needs less healthcare; and that can continue working as it grows older. On the other hand, a population in bad health means more healthcare and social costs, and a smaller workforce with many people unable to work because of health problems."

"Investing in health can also create jobs. The health sector is an important employer, and can drive demand for goods and services. It is therefore crucial that there is sufficient investment in health as part of a broader economic agenda."

"Citizens’ health demands long-term investment. And investment in good health does not only mean healthcare and treatment but also health promotion and prevention."

"In time, this investment will pay off – in quality of life, in lower healthcare bills and in a more productive workforce."

Healthcare accounts for a 10th of employment in the EU, and the Commissioner expressed concern at the impact of job losses on patients as well as those staff directly affected.

She highlighted the threat to cancer screening programmes, which she said were vital for early detection and more effective treatment. “If member states start cutting back on screening, the effects on cancer will be immense,” she said.

“One of my fears is that health inequalities between and within countries will become even more obvious in the next two years because of the crisis.”

Improving Healthy Life Years Expectancy

"The economic crisis, together with an ageing population and the high cost of technology, are putting additional pressure on health systems. And we know that health systems are already struggling to provide adequate care while remaining financially viable."

"Spending on healthcare in Europe is expected to rise by between 1 and 2% of our GDP by 2050 as a result of increasing numbers of older people."

"However, projections show that if we can increase the years of life without disease, the rise in healthcare spending due to ageing could be cut by half."

"In other words, if we can help people to age in better health, we will save billions in healthcare spending."

"Therefore, a key part of the solution – both to the economic crisis and to ageing – is to increase Healthy Life Years to help citizens live, work and age in good health."

EPHA Comment

EPHA strongly supports Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou in urging EU nations to act now. It is the time for each Government to commit to act strongly for health. History shows that States that invested in health in the past century performed more sustainable than those who reduced investment in health capacities, knowledge and infrastructures. Health is key.

For further information

 Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou’s Speech on "Building a Healthier Europe: Challenges and Opportunities"

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