Cross-border Healthcare vote is welcome news for patients with rare diseases

Posted by Bronwen Maher on October 27, 2010 at 02:10 PM

Significant moves have been made in the European Parliament today to bring improved access to Cross-Border healthcare for 25 million Europeans a major step closer.

Nessa Childers MEP has welcomed this morning’s vote at the Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee on amendments to a new proposed Cross-Border Health Directive which now looks likely to be adopted in a matter of months.

Nessa Childers said: “This means that the 25 million Europeans with rare illnesses and those living in border areas such as Louth will be in a position to access treatment in another Member State in a much easier, efficient and straightforward manner.

“This will allow for greater mobility for patients who need to access the best care available in Europe but at the same time ensuring that medical tourism is not encouraged.”

“Only 1 per cent of Member State health budgets are spent per year on cross-border healthcare. Patients have often faced complex impediments in accessing healthcare in another Member State. The European Court of Justice has handed down various judgments on issues relating to freedom of movement in this regard. It is important to note that the proposed Directive does not confer any new rights – it simply codifies and legislates for a more effective system which puts the interests of the patient first.

“Significant amendments to the proposed Directive were approved in Committee today. The view of the Committee is that patients should be in a position to seek medical care in another country without prior authorisation. However, for hospital stays and specialised care, patients could need pre-authorisation from their national health system. The view of the Committee this morning is that a country should only refuse to authorise cross-border care in a very limited number of circumstances.”

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