Cross border health package first important step

2.38.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Today the European Commission presented its package on Patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. Local Lib Dem MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson is pleased that Commissioner Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Health has shown courage by coming forward with her proposals which are regarded as a first important step toward a free European patient area.

Commenting, Graham Watson, said:

"Today's proposal places legislative authority firmly within the remit of the European Parliament, so people's right to timely medical attention will no longer be subject to the outcome of EU-level litigation. This will deliver to our citizens' medecine sans frontiers.

Although it will not create new entitlements, this directive will make it easier for patients to exercise their rights and will ensure equal access to cross-border healthcare. For Liberals and Democrats this long-overdue directive is a step towards the free movement of patients - a step we hope to make before the end of the Parliament's mandate".

Editors note:-

The directive gives patients the right to non-hospitalisation care in other Member States to the extent that they would be covered in their own Member State. They do not need prior authorisation and will be reimbursed by their own social security system. Patients may also seek hospital care in another Member State and get the costs reimbursed, but in this case the Member States can require prior authorisation.

The directive ensures free movement of and better information for patients. Furthermore, it will increase cooperation between health care systems by sharing expertise, innovation and information.