European Charter of Patients' Rights

What is this about?

The European Charter of Patients' Rights serves as an instrument for the protection of citizens and patients among different health systems in the EU. The charter aims to harmonize health systems across the EU, to ensure the equal protection of patients in each of the states, that might have very contrasting situations concerning patients' rights.

Why is this important?

In four different parts, the charter highlights universal and inalienable rights of individuals, the rights of patients, the rights of active citizenship and promotes guidelines for their implementation. This charter requires the engagement of a variety of stakeholders like health care professionals, governments, administrative bodies, etc.