EPSCO council meeting

The Independent, 09 June 2010

Joe Cassar, Minister for Health, Elderly and Community Care, took part in the EU Council Meeting for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) in Luxembourg yesterday.

The council meeting discussed several important topics including a proposal for a new directive on the application of patients’ rights for cross-border care, changes to current regulations on the provision of food information to consumers and the adoption of two council conclusions relating to equity and health in all policies and to the action to reduce the intake of salt by people.

Of particular relevance was Malta’s support for a political agreement to be reached on the new draft directive on patients’ rights for cross-border care, which would create a common legal framework across the EU for the treatment of patients across the European Union. The Minister said that “this directive will provide clearer rights and legal assurance for the patients who wish to pursue treatment across the borders.”

This would facilitate access to safe, quality care across the EU while governing the mechanism for the reimbursement of costs and the exchange of medical information, including information through electronic means. This draft directive will now require the ratification of the European Parliament.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=107359