EPSU keeps pressure on for healthcare directive to be based on fundamental principles rather than market demands

(22 October 2009, Brussels) The Swedish presidency has drafted a compromise proposal on the cross border healthcare/patient mobility directive. This will be discussed at the Health Council on 1 December 2009. EPSU, as the European Social Partner for the Hospital sector, is calling for the legal base to reflect the fundamental principles of healthcare provision, such as accessibility, equal treatment and affordability.

Concern has been expressed by EPSU representatives in light of the recent comments by the Swedish Trade Minister Ewa Bjorling calling for an EU services directive model to be applied to the EU healthcare sector.

Although the proposal is said to extend the legal basis of the directive to article 152 of the Treaty, article 95 remains the basis for the majority of the provisions. What this means in practice is that the thrust of the directive is skewed towards internal market considerations rather than fundamental principles.

It is therefore important that EPSU and its affiliates step up the EPSU campaign on the directive, before Health Ministers meet on 1 December.

EPSU will mobilise affiliates to contact EU Health Ministers to view the debate in light of the recent Irish ‘Yes’ vote on the Lisbon Treaty. EPSU wishes to see a link between the draft directive and the new provisions of the Lisbon treaty, in particular article 14 and the Protocol on Services of General Interest, compelling the European Commission to take action to ensure that public services can deliver.

The EPSU standing Committee for Health and Social services will debate this issue further on 5 November. On 9-10 November, the EPSU Executive Committee will adopt a plan of action for the final month before the Health Ministers meet on 1 December.