Local MEP Takes Part in Health Talks May03

Bashir Khanbhai, Conservative MEP for the East of England, is in Athens this week attending a European pharmaceutical industry conference which aims to examine the gaps in access to healthcare in Europe.

Delegates will also consider the uneven spread of state-of-the-art medicines across EU markets given growing concerns in governments' ability to provide universal access to healthcare.

Mr. Khanbhai, a pharmacist with thirty years experience in the healthcare industry, is joined by European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou, representatives of public authorities, health experts, academics and patients associations.

Speaking from Athens, Mr Khanbhai said:

"This dialogue is vital in establishing how we can better meet patients’ expectations and increase their level of satisfaction with healthcare services in Europe.

"In particular, we must ensure that any health policy formulated for the future will not impose a financial burden on the NHS, especially in light of next year's enlargement of the European Union to 25 member states."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

·        European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) is the representative voice of the pharmaceutical industry in Europe

·        Annual General Meeting in Vouliagmeni (near Athens, Greece) is a major event for the pharmaceutical industry in Europe.

·        This year's theme is “The Europe of Health – New Freedoms for Today’s Patients”.