The European Commission has produced two new guides about blood management: Building national programmes of patient blood management (PBM) in the EU – a guide for health authorities Supporting patient blood management (PBM) in the EU – a practical implementation guide for hospitals To download these guides on patient blood management from the ec.europa.eu website
Since 1992 when the Maastricht Treaty specifically stated that ‘The community shall contribute towards ensuring a high level of human health protection’ the EU has been protecting our health. It has helped national governments to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, provided scientific advice and data, financed local and cross-border health projects and promoted investments
25 Years of Protecting our Health Read More »
Since 2001, EU rules have required the medicines we buy in the EU to contain a package leaflet which should provide us – the user, with clear information on the medicines we are taking – including the name of the product and the manufacturer, therapeutic indications, dosage, shelf life and adverse reactions. The Commission has
Medicine packaging Read More »
Pharmaceuticals in the environment represent a global pollution problem – over 631 different pharmaceutical agents (or their metabolites) have been detected in at least 71 countries covering all continents. Pharmaceutical residues have been detected in surface water, sewage effluents, groundwater, drinking water, manure, soil, and other environmental matrices. Antibiotics in the environment can promote the
Health care without harm Read More »
The EU has produced an infographic to show how the EU’s Scientific Committees assess risks. It not only shows in a clear and concise way how the Committees function but also provides concrete examples of how their work impacts EU legislation. To download the infographic on Risk Assessment from the ec.europa.eu website
Risk assessment in the EU Read More »
All medicinal products in the EU are subject to a strict testing and assessment of their quality, efficacy and safety before being authorised. Once placed on the market they continue to be monitored to ensure that any aspect which could impact the safety profile of a medicine is detected and assessed and that necessary measures
National health systems in the EU face common challenges: ageing populations and a rise of chronic diseases leading to growing demand for healthcare; shortages and uneven distribution of health professionals etc. Furthermore, (public) financial resources available for health are constrained. Today’s health systems are in need of reforms to tackle these challenges. New care models,
Strategic investments for the future of healthcare Read More »
Europe faces a major challenge with the sustainability and quality of health and care provision, as a consequence of demographic change and improvements in medical treatment. Public expenditure on health and long-term care has been increasing over the last decades in all EU Member States, and is expected to rise even further as a consequence
Taskforce to take Health and Digital policies further Read More »
European Reference Networks (ERNs) are unique and innovative cross-border cooperation platforms between specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of rare or low prevalence complex diseases. In 2017 24 thematic ERNs, gathering over 900 highly specialised healthcare units from 26 countries, will begin working together on a wide range of issues, from bone disorders to haematological
900 medical teams to connect across Europe for the benefit of patients Read More »
In 2012 almost 1.3 million lives were lost to cancer in Europe alone. Nearly half of cancer deaths can be avoided with more preventive action to address and mitigate the risks. While we aim to reduce the incidence of cancer by tackling major life-style determinants, such as smoking, nutrition and physical activity, screening remains a
Cancer screening in the EU Read More »
