Spanish Health Minister discusses priorities for Presidency

Ms. Jimenez declared that Spain was a ’resolutely European country’ and said that Spain was ready to push for greater prosperity, in line with the common values and principles laid out in the Lisbon Treaty.

Whilst outlining the Spanish priorities in the field of public health, Ms. Jimenez emphasised that the new trio of presidencies (Spain, Belgium and Hungary) are committed to work together. Universality, fairness and solidarity will underpin all work throughout their six months, while a safe and high quality health system is the goal. Ms. Jimenez identified demographic changes, efficiency of care, organ dontations and transplants and e-health as issues that need to be addressed.

With respect to current legislative proceedings that the Committee has been dealing with, Ms Jimenez recognised the urgency of the Patients’ Rights Directive and said that Spain will push for consensus among the Member States. She also said that the Spanish Presidency will meet to discuss this with the Commission for Health.

She outlined a number of key meetings that will take place unde the Spanish Presidency, including an informal meeting of the Council of Health Ministers on 22 April 2010. There will also be a Ministerial Conference on e-health, in cooperation with the European Commission, that will take place between 15-18 March 2010.

The Spanish Presidency intends to build on its experience in the field of organ transplant when it prioritises the new Directive for quality and safety of organ transplants. Spain will also continue the work of the Czech and Swedish presidencies on Pharmacovigilance and Counterfeit Medicines, with an aim to reach an agreement in Council within the first half of 2010. No reference was made to Information The Spanish Presidency has already met with the European Parliament rapporteurs on these files.

As concerns food issues, Spain is ready to work on consumer information and novel foods. Ms. Jimenez emphasised the need to focus on diet-related diseases and Spain proposes a Council Resolution on Action to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases. The Council is also working towards the development of Council Conclusions on reducing salt consumption in Europe.

Care for people suffering from chronic diseases is also an issue that Spain hopes to address, examining the need for improved social services. Patient safety will also be addressed.

MEPs were given the chance to question the Spanish Health Minister. A number of questions focussed on Spain’s role as the Presidency and questioned whether Spain would act in the interest of all European Member States- particular reference was made to the Patients’ Rights Directive, which Spain blocked along with a number of other countries. Ms. Jimenez defened the prinicples of the Spanish position on this dossier but assured Members of the Committee that Spain would consider the views of all Member States. Many MEPs were pleased to see solidarity and a commitment to reduce inequalities included in the programmes of the Presidency. The Committee reiterated its role as a legislator and urged the Presidency to consult the Parliament at all times.

EPHA related articles

 Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross-border Healthcare
 *Updated* Proposed Regulation on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers
 Unveiling the Spanish Presidency of the Council
 Safe and efficient healthcare through eHealth
 Briefing on eHealth
 eHealth - the solution to an ageing population?