Improving cross-border healthcare

30.5.2017

Question for written answer E-003571-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

The Cross-border Healthcare Directive was adopted in 2011 and has two main objectives. The first objective is to clarify patients’ rights to cross-border healthcare and to point out that Member States must transpose these provisions into their national healthcare legislation. The second objective of the directive is to establish cooperation between Member States in a number of areas.

The launch of the 24th European Reference Framework also contributed to the improvement of cross-border healthcare. Although these reference networks help to improve diagnosis and treatment, there is still a need to improve cooperation and the sharing of resources so that significant progress can be made.

1. How precisely does the Commission plan to ensure the equitable sharing of resources between centres?2. How does the Commission plan to eliminate the differences in efficiency and competence in the individual contact centres and networks in the Member States?3. How does the Commission plan to improve individual contact centres in order to improve their accessibility for people with visual, auditory or other disabilities?