I am honored to succeed Dr. Paul Garassus as President of the Board of our Association. As we can all testify, President Garassus led us for 10 years, with enormous competence and capacity for aggregation, adding credibility and reputation to UEHP. I will do everything I can to not waste this legacy and instead, from there, start another cycle of affirmation of private hospitals and clinics in Europe.
A new mandate for UEHP should mean renewed energy in the defense and representation of private hospitals. At a time when a new political cycle is beginning in the EU (a new European Commission, a new Health Commissioner, a European Parliament with a different composition, the European Health Union that is being attempted to be implemented with the European Health Data Space, the cybersecurity plan for hospitals, new public health entities, etc.), it is UEHP’s responsibility to be the voice of private hospitals and position itself as an essential stakeholder in health, with clear and well-founded positions and participation in all debates relevant information on health policies. At European level and in support of the positions of national associations of private hospitals and clinics, whenever called upon to do so.
The agenda of private hospitals in Europe is very clear. We know well what is needed so that we can continue to actively contribute to an increased and efficient provision of care to citizens. As companies, private hospitals demand freedom of investment and non-discrimination. As healthcare providers, we advocate full recognition, given that private hospitals perform a public service mission, and as such, should be involved as a pillar of healthcare systems, leveraging resources to increase access and the modernization of services. In the relationship with the different health services/Ministries of Health, it is essential to guarantee justice, with transparent procedures that presuppose predictability and are based on economically efficient prices.
On the other hand, most of the issues we face (shortage of healthcare professionals, discrimination between operators, imposition of artificially low regulated prices, digital transition and sustainability and endless work towards efficiency and humanization of services, etc.) are a concern shared by most countries and we must join efforts and experiences to find the best solutions.
This is my roadmap and I guarantee absolute motivation to work in Brussels and in each associated country for the benefit of private hospitals. I promise you work, work and more work and the desire to involve everyone. I will be here to be held accountable for the performance of this mission. With the work of all of us, it will be possible to have more and better health.
Read the full version of the January 2025 UEHP newsletter HERE
