EPF campaign for EU Elections receives support in the European Parliament

The European Patients’ Forum (EPF) campaign built around the message “Patients + Participation = Our Vote for a Healthier Europe” reached an important landmark by organising a cocktail and special exhibition in the European Parliament, between 17 and 20 March. EPF and its partners and supporters encouraged the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to sign a Manifesto and commit to including a patient perspective in their work for the new parliamentary session.

Around 30 MEPs signed the Manifesto, rallying to the calls for clear strategies and initiatives on essential topics such as patient involvement and empowerment and equitable access to healthcare in the European Union.

EPF’s campaign in the European Parliament is spearheaded by MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt (pictured above). On 19 March, the official organised a cocktail aiming to raise-awareness to EPF’s cause.

“This campaign is absolutely crucial to make EU and national decision-makers understand that health policy needs to be further developed. Patients are often the weakest part of the chain, but they can contribute to make health systems more effective”, said Dagmar Roth-Behrendt.

EPF’s President Anders Olauson (pictured below) added that “we represent a high proportion of voters in the next EU elections. We hope our voice will be heard by decision-makers and that they will add a patients’ perspective in their work”.

The campaign was launched in October 2013 and will conclude after the EU Elections in May.