Brussels, 20/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The main subject at the European health ministers' meeting on 23-24 April in Horsens will be the health action plan: “Smart Health - Better Lives. The meeting will be chaired by the Danish Health Minister Astrid Krag, and will be attended by John Dalli, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, and Zsuzsanna Jakab, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
In a society characterised by lacklustre demographic growth and economic constraints, healthcare innovation remains a possible lever for improving the quality and effectiveness of health care and controlling rocketing expenses. The stakes are high: we must make better use of available resources, calling for new technological instruments to be developed (“E-health”) or improve working conditions in this sector. Innovation is also full of potential with regard to exporting health care products and services on the global market. During the first work session on 23 April, ministers will focus on how to promote innovation and technological research in health and well-being sectors. Upstream of the meeting, Krag said: “Many perceive innovation as a kind of luxury. It is not. Innovation is a necessity in health care, and no needless obstacles should stand in the way of working smarter, not harder, in our health care systems”. On 24 April, ministers will continue their discussions on chronic diseases. The population is ageing and chronic diseases affect millions of Europeans, eat up healthcare spending and increase overall healthcare requirements and provision. The discussions will focus on patient responsibility and how to help European citizens affected by chronic disease remain active and independent by giving them the opportunity to play an active part in the management of their disease. Ministers will also discuss the breast implant scandal, within the broader context of approval of medical devices and the resources to be made available to ensure that such a scandal is not repeated. Minister Krag concluded: “I look forward to the discussions with my European colleagues and I expect us to find mutual inspiration and new ways for action in our health care systems”. (IL/transl.fl)