Senior Anesthesiology Consultant, retired

Competencies in Pain Medicine and Health Services Management by OM

Master in Palliative Care from the University of Lisbon

Coordinator of the Regional Pain Control Program 2009 to 2013

Consultant on Pain Control Strategies in the Regional Health Plan 2014-2016 (extended to 2020)

Member of the European Parliament’s Intervention Group: “European Patients’ Rights and Cross-Border Healthcare”

Coordinator of the Scientific Council of the Azores’ Chronic Pain Patients Association

Founding Member of the SIP Portugal Platform (SIP = Societal Impact of Pain)

Member, Representative of Portugal at EMA, European Medical Association

Rua Nova do Visconde, 64, 9500-337 Ponta Delgada

Tel: 296 653163 Tm: 962360430
mtflordelima@gmail.com

Declaration of Interests: As a Physician I respect the guidelines of the Portuguese Medical Association regarding scientific method and scientific evidence

I Presentation

«Patients’ Rights – What Europe can do for Health»

The recognition of the ten rights of patients in the European Charter, across the European Union (EU) is linked to an increasing demand from European citizens. The strengthening of these rights will only become effective thanks to the cooperation and commitment of all health stakeholders in each EU country. Thus, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of patients’ rights and the responsibilities of all to ensure their respect.

Every human being fulfills several roles at the same time. Among them, the role of the citizen and the potential patient is included in the same person, which makes health a greater common good that can only improve with the protection of citizens’ rights as well as the promotion of civic activism in the process of formulating health policies. Cheers.

In the EU, important measures have been taken but it is necessary to remove barriers that hinder access to quality health care in all countries or regions. The health policy paradigm has changed, since economic issues are important but there is a need for innovative measures that transform knowledge into value, calling for attitudes of monitoring, sharing and partnerships, concern.