Health is a right, and this is reflected in the constitution of the World Health Organization, which recognizes that everyone has the right to the highest possible level of physical and mental health. Like every April 18, Europe commemorates European Patients’ Rights Day. A fact that no one is a record of the importance of promoting the integral health of their citizens, but also a call to action to be able to proporcionar that all patients have access to adequate medical attention and can actively participate in the decisions related to them. health.
This day aims to promote citizen participation and generate an informed debate on health issues that affect society as a whole. Indeed, the national health systems of the European Union countries reflect very different realities in terms of patients’ rights. To this day, there are still countries that violate and endanger patients’ rights, denying the existence of specific laws, administrative regulations or patient advocacy organizations. Therefore, through information exchange and joint thinking, we seek to promote significant improvements in health systems and public health policies.
When it comes to diabetes, we are talking about a chronic pathology that affects 61 million people in Europe, according to the Diabetes Atlas of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It is therefore essential to consider the importance of ensuring the rights of diabetic patients on this special day.
According to the European Charter of Patients’ Rights, everyone has the right to prevent disease and to access health services when necessary. In addition, they have the right to receive clear and understandable information about their health, to give prior consent to treatments and to make informed decisions about their health care.
However, even though these rights are enshrined in the Charter, the reality is that many people with diabetes continue to have difficulty accessing appropriate medical care and participating in decisions related to their health. Discrimination, lack of access to health services and misinformation are some of the obstacles that still remain on the path to equitable and quality health care for all.
“There is a need to advocate for policies that promote equity”
This is why, on the occasion of European Patients’ Rights Day, it is essential to remember that the fight for global health is a shared responsibility. Governments, healthcare professionals, patient organizations and society as a whole must work together to ensure that the rights of people with diabetes and all patients are respected and protected at all times.
Education and awareness is one of the most effective ways to promote patients’ rights. It is essential that patients are informed of their rights and know how to exercise them in practice. This includes training in communication skills so they can participate in decisions related to their health and work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
Additionally, there is a need to advocate for policies that promote equity and accessibility to health care. This includes developing prevention and early detection programs, as well as implementing measures to ensure that all people have access to the treatments and services needed to manage their condition effectively and independently.
The Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE), through its campaign “Don’t turn your back on diabetes”, joins this fight for patients’ rights, affirming that this day is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing faced by people who suffer from an illness. and renew our commitment to working together to ensure that everyone has access to decent health care.