Strong of the success of the Declaration, ECPC President Prof De Lorenzo and ECPC Vice President Kathi Apostolidis met Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Security. The Commissioner demonstrated a great interest in the needs and expectations of European cancer patients “DG SANTE is open to you” said the Commissioner, welcoming the ECPC delegation.
Mr Andriukaitis stated his willingness to follow the path set by his predecessor regarding the inclusion of patients’ perspective within the work of the European Commission. In particular, his focused on the important role organisations like ECPC have in disseminating key health-related information to patients.
Prof De Lorenzo and Commissioner Andriukaitis exchanged views on the Cross Boarder Healthcare Directive. The Commissioner agreed with ECPC that it is imperative to achieve the full implementation of the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, which remains the centrepiece EU legislation granting freedom of movement to European patients.
Praising the work of ECPC, the Commissioner concluded the meeting inviting ECPC to keep working together with the Commission: “Patient organisations and NGOs are of invaluable help to us”, said the Commissioner, echoed by Prof De Lorenzo willingness to keep supporting DG SANTE which “is setting a crucial example of transparency and patient centeredness, which all other Member States should follow”.