Brussels, 16/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - David Byrne, the Commissioner in charge of health and consumer protection, spoke today about what he feels is the best way to develop the level of health whilst reinforcing Europe's competitiveness. Speaking to the European Policy Centre in Brussels, he presented his vision of the essential principles to guide the development of the European health policy over the coming years. Among them, he referred to the role of good health as a driver of economic growth, the need to promote health and to prevent disease rather than treat it, and the urgent need to remedy inequality in health issues between the Member States and within them. Making health a shared responsibility between the citizens, national governments and the EU is central to this reflection. The EU has a vital role to play, by promoting synergies and partnerships between Member States and between governments and civil society. It can also promote the creation of health networks in Europe.
David Byrne said: "modern economies are built on good health. Their competitiveness increasingly depends on enabling their citizens to lead healthier, more productive lives. Good health is a key driver of growth. There is evidence that a 10% rise in life expectancy can generate up to 0.35% in GDP increase. Put simply, health generates wealth. Each health euro better spent could make a net saving both for individual well-being and for EU competitiveness. This is why achieving good health must become an economic priority".
The EU has a clear public health mandate. It can bring added value by supporting progress towards health for all. It must act to protect its population against the great threats for health, which do not stop at national borders. It also has a vital role to play in bringing all the players together to share their knowledge and skills and create synergies, explained Commissioner Byrne, adding: "I am convinced that placing an innovative pharmaceutical policy at the heart of health policy is essential for a successful and coherent strategy We also need to ensure that European regains its crown as the world's health research and technology centre- a European health innovation powerhouse channelling research to new medical appliances and ever more efficient medicines, and disseminating results across Europe".
A reflection document presenting Commissioner Byrne's vision of the essential principles which must guide the development of the European health policy is available at: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_overview/strategy/health_strategy_en.htm. Interested citizens and organisations are invited to send in their comments to reflection-health-strategy@cec.eu.int by 15 October.