In the aftermath of the economic crisis, member States found themselves in a tougher situation when it comes to investment in the prevention of chronic diseases. Although life expectancy in Europe is increasing, more people are living with a chronic disease.
This situation merits a change in people’s attitude and a shift in the health strategies of most Member States. Chronic illness proves to be a pressing issue which member States ought to address as part of their efforts to tackle the ageing population.
Recently, the EU has been witnessing unprecedented demographic changes and this will introduce additional challenges for European health systems in the years to come. Indeed, the EU has been experiencing changes in the family structures, low birth rates and an ageing population. Within the next 50 years, the number of EU citizens over the age of 65 is expected to go up by 75 per cent. Also, according to the World Economic Forum (2014), by 2030 the loss of economic output is expected to increase by four per cent of the annual global GDP.
In fact, the issue of chronic diseases should not be seen only from a healthcare perspective. One should also note that this issue has an impact on the employment sector. If we couple the burdens of chronic diseases with the issue of an ageing population one is able to outline the negative resulting factors, such as lower productivity as well as reduced labour supply. This also implies greater burdens on social protection systems.
Indeed, chronic diseases can be regarded as a major obstacle to active ageing. However, most of the chronic conditions in Europe are largely preventable or can be limited by avoiding the advancement of the disease. Therefore it makes sense to invest and find innovative practices for prevention strategies.
One can argue that a common effort at an EU level would require proper investment at a national level, especially in the prevention of diabetes and obesity. Unfortunately, certain member States are still quite reluctant when it comes to new investments while others, such as Greece, are hoping for alternative methods for resource funding.
As Sylvain Giraud unit head at DG Sanco said, there is a link between a country’s GDP and health expenditure. According to the studies conducted, with proper investment the health status of a population would improve and thus a reduction in chronic diseases is to be expected.
Most of the chronic conditions in Europe are largely preventable or can be limited by avoiding the advancement of the disease
However, investing properly in health does not only manifest in better health outcomes but it also generates an enhanced sustainability of the system. Indeed, proper investment does not necessarily mean increased spending but rather it should be regarded as making efficient use of your resources, thus spending better.
Also thanks to the diligence of EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, the European Commission has been very much involved in the promotion of prevention strategies. The Commission has also launched a series of studies which will help the EU in better tackling the issue of chronic diseases. Recently, it also brought together key policy makers and stakeholders in the EU summit on chronic diseases, which provided the necessary settings for discussion and sharing of best practices.
Especially when taking into consideration that patients can now be treated in any member State and then get reimbursed at home, the EPP believes that progress has been made in guaranteeing treatment to EU citizens.
However, in line with the Commission, the EPP also believes in the importance of preventing and promoting healthy living European health care systems. Indeed, the EPP Group believes that prevention is a key dimension which safeguards the citizens’ quality of life and also improves their life expectancy.
Prevention is also regarded as a way to alleviate the burdens on society since it leads to lower public health costs; in fact the EPP Group is of the view that the EU can play an important role in this respect.
The EPP Group has been vocal on the importance of nutrition labelling and has supported any measures which ensure proper labelling. The group also advocated special funding which helps SMEs develop new nutrition-rich products. All this was done out of the belief that obesity leads to an increased number of chronic conditions.
The EU is faced with increasingly pressing burdens posed by chronic diseases and thus the need for concrete action rises.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. However, the return on this kind of investment comes in the long term. This is what often keeps governments from taking any concrete steps.
Nevertheless, we have been seeing different initiatives from the Commission and support from the EPP which promote the need for proper investment.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP.