92003E1445

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1445/03

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(24 April 2003)

Subject: European citizens' right to health Charter of EU Citizens' Health Rights

The EU institutions have not yet recognised the right to health for all European citizens. There are still unacceptable disparities between the health services provided by the different Member States. For instance, the average number of hospital beds per 1 000 inhabitants is 4,1 in Spain, as against 9,4 in Germany, 8,3 in France, 10,1 in Ireland and 11,3 in the Netherlands. The United Kingdom average has, as a result of the Thatcher Government's ultraliberal policy, stagnated at 4,4 beds. In Spain, Central Government policy has tended to favour private management of hospital centres and has reduced the number of health professionals per bed. There is even a trend, promoted by the governments of certain countries, towards privatisation of public health services, along the same lines as the United States, which is the developed country with the poorest health standards and the lowest life expectancy.

The European Union should therefore adopt a Charter of Health Rights and a European Health System, with due respect for the autonomy of each Member State. The Charter has already been promoted throughout the European Union by various citizens' groups, as well as political and trade union organisations. The Charter would be based on the principles of universality of health care and equal quality of services in all Member States, guaranteeing equal and free access to such services for all citizens through public funding.

Is the Commission prepared to promote the adoption of such a Charter of EU Citizens' Health Rights? Is it also prepared to promote a European health system?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 2003)

Article 152(5) of the EC Treaty clearly states that Community action in the field of public health shall fully respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. Issues such as the average number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants, are therefore the responsibility of the Member States, not of the Community. In light of this, the Commission does not have the competence to come forward with proposals for a Charter of Union Citizens' Health Rights and for a European Health System.

Although we are not about to see the emergence of a Europe-wide health system, the coming years will see growing co-operation between Member States on healthcare issues. Issues in relation to this are currently under discussion by Health Ministers and other stakeholders in the high level reflection process on patient mobility and healthcare developments in the Union.