Health Commissioner Kyriakides: Discrimination against cancer survivors unacceptable

As the clock ticks towards the end of the current Commission mandate, stakeholders gathered in Brussels (14 May) for a stocktaking on progress towards an agreement on an EU code of conduct for fair access to financial services for cancer survivors. 

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP), adopted in 2021, addressed every stage of the disease pathway and outlined a series of actions to improve prevention, treatment and the lives of those who have recovered from cancer. 

One of the aims of the EBCP was to support the creation of an EU-wide code of conduct for non-discriminatory access to financial services for cancer survivors by 2023. Discussions on the code of conduct have been long and difficult, but a deal could be within reach. 

Right to be forgotten

Former cancer patients often face barriers to accessing basic financial products, such as mortgages and different types of insurance. Cancer patient organisations have argued that after five years, those who have undergone successful treatment should be granted a so-called ‘right to be forgotten’ to enjoy equal access to financial services on an equal footing to the population at large. There is a particularly unfair burden on those who were diagnosed with cancer in their childhood who have overcome the disease and still face lifelong discrimination.

Glass half full

There is a very mixed picture across the EU, twelve member states have either legislated or have adopted a national code of conduct, however there are fifteen that have no mechanism whatsoever. 

Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, who has been a passionate advocate for cancer survivors, surveyed the progress made. There have been detailed discussions between cancer patient organisations and financial services providers. The fact that the Commission has brought these groups together has been valuable in itself. Kyriakides pointed out that several states are now discussing possible actions.

Mike Morrissey, Chief Executive of the European Cancer Organisation told Euractiv, “If you look at France, it’s in the legislation, after five years of being cured of cancer, there’s no financial discrimination. In Belgium, it is going to be the law for five years from next year. [Five years] is the gold standard, the cancer community is completely united that there should be no financial discrimination after you’ve been cured. What the EU is trying to do with this code of conduct is to reach the fifteen countries where there is no code of conduct.”

However, there are more entrenched positions. Françoise Meunier, who led the highly successful campaign to end discrimination against cancer survivors in Belgium told Euractiv that she thought signing a bad code of conduct was a trap, “I don’t want a code of conduct because it’s not binding, particularly if it [doesn’t set the right to be forgotten] to five years. What I want is a normal European legal framework with a five year limit. This is not about compassion, it’s about human rights and ending discrimination.”

Financial Services Commissioner Mairead McGuinness acknowledged that some of the participants would like to move to a legal solution, but warned that by looking for a perfect solution campaigners would miss a great opportunity to advance their cause.

“This code of conduct would represent a really important step forward that would improve access to financial services for cancer survivors, especially in those 15 member states that don’t have any mechanism.” She added that with European elections and an new Commission, it might take a very long time before any legislative proposal could be considered. 

From an industry perspective, John Turner of Reinsurance’s Advisory Board, said that each cancer is different and is subject to many variables, each presenting a different risk profile; there is also a diversity in insurance products and how they are sold across the EU.

“Two thirds to three quarters of all payments are paid due to cancer. That’s actually a strong endorsement of the power of insurance to help cancer patients through their journey.”

Turner believes that additional data is needed for accurate analysis of costs, but warned participants that if companies couldn’t cover their costs they would withdraw their products, he added that the industry didn’t want to do this, but that any code would need more financially sustainable wording.

Lancet Countdown on health and climate change

The Lancet’s latest report on temperatures warns that Europe is warming at twice the rate of the global average, threatening the health of populations across the continent and leading to unnecessary loss of life. The Lancet’s Countdown in Europe tracks 42 indicators highlighting the negative impacts of climate change on human health.

The European Environment Agency is also sounding the alarm on climate health risks.

European Mental Health Week

Health Commissioner Kyriakides announced new funding for various mental health projects and new guidance: “We are working hand-in-hand with national authorities to develop EU guidance on stigma and discrimination that will be put forward later this year. We have also published a repository of best and promising practices on the EU Best Practice Portal to inspire and encourage learning from one another.”

The fifth edition of European Mental Health Week is taking place from 13-19 May, hosted by Mental Health Europe. The aim is to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with and to stimulate discussions about the future of mental health and the role of ‘co-creation’. 

Silent killer

The World Health Organisation warns that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death and disability in the European Region, causing almost a quarter of deaths and 13% of disability. It usually has no symptoms, and if it remains uncontrolled it can have potentially devastating consequences such as heart attacks and strokes. One thing we can do to reduce blood pressure is to lower our salt intake. The WHO recommends maximum level of 5 g (around one teaspoon) per day. 

Sporting Life

European sports ministers have agreed (14 May) to do more to promote and support policies that foster the practice of self-organised sport, in informal settings such as parks, as a means of encouraging lifelong physical activity and sport and promoting their benefits for well-being and for physical and mental health among the population.

Pandemic Agreement negotiations go into extra time

Negotiations for a new pandemic treaty, originally slated to conclude on Friday (10 May) before the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) on 27 May, are set to continue both in person and in a hybrid format in hopes of producing a new text and soon.

Belgian presidency calls for coordinated action against antimicrobial resistance

How do you envisage the creation of a product which you ideally don’t want to use? That was the focal point of the Belgian presidency’s high-level meeting on how the EU should coordinate its response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from 6-8 May.

EU raises alarm at 10-fold increase in whooping cough cases

The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has raised the alarm at the ten-fold increase in whooping cough (Pertussis) on the continent in the past year, renewing calls to step up vaccination as the best defence.

French industry minister Lescure welcomes Italian pharma company Chiesi’s investment in France

French delegate Minister of Industry Roland Lescure visited the production site of Italian pharmaceutical group Chiesi in the Loir-et-Cher area on Tuesday (May 14), after the company announced an investment of €10 million.

News from the capitals

DUBLIN
Irish candidates for the upcoming European parliament elections are attending a series of healthcare manifesto events hosted by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, where industry experts, the press and the public have an opportunity to quiz candidates’ support for innovation, sustainability and their regulatory approach. Read more.

///

European Health Data Space can help create Ireland’s fit-for-purpose health system. Experts gathered at the EIT Health Summit for the launch of a new report ‘Implementing the European Health Data Space across Europe’, which could boost Ireland’s digital healthcare transition. Read more.

///

PRAGUE
Czech ministry proposes changes in medicines price setting approach. The Czech Health Ministry has introduced amendments to the public insurance law to enhance healthcare accessibility and ensure sustainable medical treatment costs – a move welcomed by Czech pharmaceutical companies. Read more.

///

BRUSSELS
Medicines impacting Belgian water system, environmental risk analysis demanded. 
Prioritising pollution prevention or human health? That’s the question probing the ethical limits of Belgium’s pharmaceutical industry, amidst discussion of whether to approve new medicines if environmental risk assessments prove inadequate. Read more.

///

BUDAPEST
Hungary’s ageing health system suffering traumatic personnel loss.
The professional standards of Hungarian healthcare providers are under scrutiny following the introduction of a new framework of healthcare regulations. An ageing population is being cared for by an ageing medical workforce. Read more.

///

WARSAW
Poles disappointed over pharmaceutical prices, state subsidies remain low.
Eighty-five per cent of Poles believe that drug prices in the country are too high, according to a survey conducted by Ariadna, the Nationwide Research Panel for Health Market. Despite this perception, the prices of reimbursed drugs in Polish pharmacies are among the lowest in the EU. Read more.

///

SOFIA
Commission opens infringement procedures against Bulgaria over medicine tenders.
The European Commission has opened infringement procedures against Bulgaria for the long-term violation of internal market rules and illegal procedures allowing private hospitals to avoid tendering for medicines. Read more.

///

ATHENS
EU’s working time rules ignored, Greek doctors take case to EU institutions.
Understaffing is keeping hospital doctors far from the EU’s 11-hour rest period. In Greece, hospital administrations are reported as breaching the 48-hour work-week rule, while in Sweden, doctors can be ordered to be on-call at home, rather than in hospitals, to get their regulated rest.  Read more.

15 May – WHO/International Negotiating Body (INB) stakeholder briefing on Pandemic Accord negotiations

17 May – Working Party on Public Health, in Council will discuss raising awareness of the role of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) within the Council of the European Union; and, will hold an exchange of views on the Draft Council conclusions on the Future of the European Health Union: A Europe that cares, prepares and protects

21-24 May – WHO/International Negotiating Body (INB) resume negotiations to try to reach an agreement on the Pandemic Accord ahead of the World Health Assembly, which starts on 27 May

21 May – Council Working Party on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to discuss the 5th compromise text on drug shortages cluster

22 May – The European Health Union: a Europe that prepares, prevents and protects, will be presented by Vice President Margaritis Schinas

23 May – WHO is organising a webinar, ‘United Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) from national to global preparedness, solidarity for a safer world

[Edited by Alice Taylor]

Read more with Euractiv