The latest Eurobarometer has been published and, surprisingly, Health doesn’t feature as one of the most important issues (only 5%, far behind concerns about the invasion of Ukraine, the international situation, defence, immigration, the economic situation, fake news, the environment and even energy supply). This can be read in a positive light if it indicates that citizens are satisfied with their health, but it can also be a huge sign of concern if Europeans are not aware of the enormous challenges facing health.
When we speak to the Minister of Health of any country in Europe, we realise how ‘scared’ they are about the growth in health needs (ageing population, increasing literacy and expectations), the shortage of health professionals and the funding of innovation (which is a must and a must do). All this in a context where global budgets are being fought over by new priorities.
This is the time to act. At European level and at the level of each country, we must work not only to ensure that health systems are responding adequately, but also for the future we can already see coming. Just read the European Commission’s ageing report: “Spending on health care and long-term care is projected to go up for all countries – with a minor exception for health care in Latvia.”
There’s no time to waste. If we want to have the health care we need in the future, we have to wake up now. All of us. And in an articulated way. Respecting the competences of each entity, we must ensure that Health is present at each EU presidency, that the Commission creates the conditions to implement the planned policies (such as the EHDS, the cybersecurity plan, etc.), that the European Parliament, whether in the Public Health (SANT) or Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committees, deliberates on strengthening health resources and that the European Economic and Social Committee itself assumes health as one of the European pillars of social rights. And, of course, on the private side, from providers to the pharmaceutical industry, from medical devices to ICT, we have to realise that the challenge of health is everyone’s. That’s why patient associations are also involved. Patient organisations are essential in voicing their concerns and priorities and in advocating for sustainable access to health benefits from policymakers.From the perspective of Europe’s private hospitals, we can increase our contribution to healthcare systems right now. A few weeks ago we launched an internal survey and the conclusions are very clear: we are ready to strengthen the sustainable relationship between private hospitals and health ministries in order to expand healthcare capacity and we are also well-positioned to make a much greater contribution to public health policies particularly in areas such as vaccination and screening.
Because we can only move towards the future with the certainty that we are on the right path, I am delighted to inform you that the fourth edition of the European Private Hospital Awards (EPHA) is underway. The European Private Hospital Awards were conceived to distinguish health establishments with the best performance in various areas and thus contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare provision, innovation, and satisfaction of professionals.
After the success of the first 3 editions, EPHA is now organized by UEHP and the Alianza de la Sanidad Privada Española (ASPE), in continued partnership with EY, and the Award ceremony will be held in Madrid. We look forward to celebrating excellence with all members, partners and stakeholders.
Oscar Gaspar, President of UEHP
Read the full version of the June 2025 newsletter HERE
