Brussels, 10/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - In the health sector, the major file on which the Greek Presidency will work is the new European framework for medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices. Greece wants to make substantial progress for the adoption of this new framework - the objective of which is to preserve a high level of health protection for patients while not hindering technological innovation. During the last Health Council on 10 December, the ministers held an exchange of views on the two regulation proposals in order to provide guidelines for the work of the Greek Presidency. At this stage, member states' opinions differ as to the need for a second European-level examination for high risk devices (such as implants) and the re-use of single use medical devices (see EUROPE 10981).
Greece also wants to progress on the issue of fees linked to pharmacovigilance activities, as part of the new legislative arrangements that came into force in 2012. The Presidency also wants to progress on the directive on pricing transparency and reimbursement for health care. Like the Lithuanian Presidency before it, the Greek Presidency will continue the debate on the reform of healthcare systems in order to make them more sustainable and will submit conclusions on this for adoption. Greece will also focus on the impact of migratory flows on health systems, seeking better cooperation between member states because this is a common public health challenge, the Presidency states. E-health and technological developments in health will also be dealt with by the Greek Presidency - which believes that this is an essential element for effective and sustainable reform of healthcare systems, and which will give rise to a reduction in costs. Lastly, in order to fuel the debate on the fight against non-communicable diseases, the Greek Presidency will organise a debate on the role of nutrition and physical activity in promoting a healthy lifestyle. (IL/transl.fl)