Tag Archives: 2014 Greek candidate for the European Parliament

“My goal is to strive for equal access to healthcare for all Europeans”

 

Dimitris Kontopidis, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient, vice-president of the Hellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association and chronic-disease activist, was a candidate for the European Parliament in the 2014 EU Elections and his party To Potami has won two seats in the Parliament. He hopes to increase patient participation in shaping healthcare policy and lay the foundations for a fair and healthy Europe, free of inequalities.

 What are your thoughts on healthcare inequalities amongst EU nations?

My disease is a prime example of healthcare inequalities in the EU. The average life expectancy of CF patients in Europe is over 40 years; however, this median age drops to less than 30 in Greece. Greece lacks a specialised centre for the disease, CF-trained health professionals and general public knowledge surrounding the disease. Lung transplantation is not an option for those who cannot afford the down payment needed by a specific transplantation center in Austria. Unfortunately, Greece is not the sole example of EU countries ridden with social inequalities.

The European institutions must include patients in shaping the European Agenda for healthcare to reduce the inequalities and inadequate healthcare Europeans live with. Cross-border healthcare centres and networks of reference, eHealth and access to new and innovative therapies are not simply ideas that “may” benefit society; they are solutions that many European countries have implemented successfully.  

Why did you decide to run for election for the European Parliament?

I consider my candidacy an opportunity to bring to light the inequalities that exist in healthcare across the EU. As one who lives daily with chronic disease, I firmly believe that I can be of substantial assistance in shaping healthcare policy that reflects the EPF manifesto “Patients + Participation = Our Vote for a Healthier Europe”.

What are you goals for patients in Europe and what are the resources necessary to achieve these goals?

My goal is to strive for equal access to healthcare for all Europeans, particularly now amidst the economic crisis. I am actively promoting patient-centred care throughout Europe. Patients must become the focal point for healthcare services, which will require training and education for patients and their organisations.

We must build patients’ capacity to improve their own leadership, organisational skills and strategic planning that will result in on-the-point interventions and successful patient campaigns. Human resources, knowledge of rights, cooperation and networking are the founding pillars of a powerful and effective voice for the patients’ population.

In your opinion, what do patients want from their healthcare systems and how can they work towards these goals?

Patients can—and should—be part of the equation that will lead to increased efficacy and quality of health systems in Europe. This idea has been the focus of the “Patients in Power” conference in Greece for the past two years, which combines the active participation of institutions, healthcare professionals and patients to provide a strong voice for patients in our country!

To me, this conference is a crucial example of innovative concepts shaping healthcare policy. It provides the possibility to create an equal Europe—a social Europe—which will emerge from our joint efforts. As a patient of chronic disease, I will continue to champion this idea as a candidate for the European Parliament.