It’s all happening in Vilnius – supporting the dialogue on sustainable health for inclusive growth in Europe
30.10.13
The timing couldn’t be more appropriate for leading policymakers, academics and other stakeholders to come together and debate where Europe goes next when it comes to the provision of healthcare to its citizens. The idea of a universal welfare model has, in many ways, been at the heart of the European project since its inception. Although, of course, implemented differently across the Union, most Member States still have largely government-funded healthcare systems. But, at a time when other parts of the world (you might immediately think of the US) are arguably looking to emulate European-style provision of healthcare, European systems themselves are coming under increasing strain. With its ageing population Europe needs quality healthcare more than ever. But question marks loom over how (and whether) we can sustain and pay for the care we enjoy today, let alone eliminate the sort of inequality of access to care that leads to almost a decade’s difference in life expectancy across the EU.
The conference, which will take place between 19 and 20 November in Vilnius is hosted by Prof Vilius Grabauskas, President of the Lithuanian Health Forum, which has put together an impressive programme of speakers that will include:
- Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
- Zsuzsanna Jakab, regional Director of WHO’s regional office for Europe
- Chris Viehbacher, EFPIA President
- …among many others!
The session themes reflect the need to look forward and consider health as an investment that can contribute positively to economic growth– as well as simply a cost burden. Financial realism is also a key theme. It is incumbent on those of us who argue that investment in health should be maintained to have a clear view on how it would be financed. But at the heart of the conference are also inclusiveness and the need to address inequality. These are core European values. Unfortunately the state of access to healthcare in Europe right now does not do those values justice. Let’s hope next month’s Conference in Vilnius marks an important turning point that helps Europe rectify that situation.
