During the launch of the Call for Action, hosted by Françoise Grossetête MEP, Vice President of the EPP Group, in the European Parliament on 2 February, Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis welcomed COCIR's Call for Action, emphasising that "the time for action to improve health across the EU is now." COCIR set out its aspirations for the EU institutions in its recommendations for how to move towards sustainable healthcare systems.
Françoise Grossetête praised COCIR's valuable contribution to improving health across the EU. She also reiterated her commitment to the sustainability of healthcare systems and reminded attendees that "health should not be seen as a cost, but rather as an investment, above all as a factor of growth."
The Commissioner said: "I am glad to see such a good initiative. As a doctor, I know the value of innovative healthcare technology and the progress it brings to our health systems." He added "COCIR put a lot of thought in the recommendations it has prepared. I am pleased to say that several of these are being reflected in very recent initiatives supported by the Commission."
Nicole Denjoy, COCIR Secretary General commented: "COCIR is unique in bringing medical technologies, IT and telecom industries together as they have complementary competencies and have changed already a few years ago their business models to move towards integrated care and work flows." She emphasised that "industry and technology are key contributors towards better healthcare, improving quality, safety and cost-efficiency." To achieve this, "key stakeholders must join forces and work together.
Graeme Holland, Chair of the COCIR Public Affairs Group set out the priority areas that COCIR believes are crucial "if Europe is to succeed in addressing the growing challenges facing the delivery of healthcare, we need to view healthcare as an investment in the long term, bringing economic and social benefits." He emphasized the need to:
- Use technology to improve access and efficiency;
- Adopt and deploy eHealth solution;
- Use data smartly
- Tackle chronic diseases
- Drive better regulations to ease market access
COCIR will continue to work with the EU institutions to ensure that rather than being rationed, healthcare delivery in the EU is rational.
About COCIR
COCIR is the European Trade Association representing the medical imaging, health ICT and electromedical industries. Founded in 1959, COCIR is a non-profit association headquartered in Brussels (Belgium) with a China Desk based in Beijing since 2007. COCIR is unique as it brings together the healthcare, IT and telecommunications industries.