On 20 March 2024, FEAM Past President, Prof. George Griffin, attended the XVIII European Patients’ Rights Day at the European Parliament. The event, organized by Cittadinanzattiva APS and hosted by MEP Brando Benifei, emphasized the crucial role of healthcare professionals in shaping a healthier Europe.
Prof. Griffin was joined by Maya Matthews (Deputy Head of Unit Strategy and Coordination at DG Health & Food Safety), Cristina Rey Valcarcel ( European Society for Trauma & Emergency Surgery), Martina Giusti ( FNO TSRM e PSTRP), Noel Abela (ESNO, European Specialist Nurses Organisation), Oana Scarlatescu (EFPIA – European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations), Corinne Hinlopen (Wemos), Lyudmil Ninov (EHMA – European Health Management Association), Vytenis Andriukaitis (WHO Special Envoy for the European region, former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety), Mariano Votta and Daniela Quaggia (Cittadinanzattiva APS).
During the insightful discussions, speakers addressed various challenges within the health workforce, including job strain, the significant shortage of healthcare professionals in the EU, and the alarming issue of medical desertification.