MEP Cercas criticises EU healthcare access
A Spanish MEP has described healthcare in the European Union as “unacceptable” after revealing that many EU citizens were now unable to afford essential treatment.
Speaking at a European Parliament event, Spanish MEP Alejandro Cercas said many citizens were now unable to afford medicines in some EU member states, including Bulgaria, Italy, Poland and Lithuania.
The MEP, who is a member of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats, said: “It’s unacceptable that millions can’t afford the best lifesaving treatment in the EU. More fiscal solidarity has not lead to more general solidarity. We are putting the EU at risk.”
The healthcare system in these countries, as well as others noted by Cercas, is mainly private.
He added it was wrong that although billions of euros are spent on conducting health research and development, some citizens were unable to reap the benefits from the healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation. Greek, Irish and Romania MEPs also shared Cercas’ concerns.
Tackling Europe’s healthcare problems, including the prevention of disease and promotion of healthcare solutions, is a key focus for Horizon 2020 under the Societal Challenges pillar.
Portuguese MEP Maria do Céu Patrão Neves noted that the EU’s R&I budget is the only area of expenditure that will not be reduced.
