Listed below are the main messages and goals from the five position papers used by EHA to support its advocacy efforts directed at EU institutions and other stakeholders. We welcome your feedback! Please submit your response to this consultation by February 28. 
POSITION 1: Support hematology research in Horizon 2020

Key message: In order to improve patient care and reduce the societal burden of blood disorders, EU support of cutting-edge hematology research is needed under Horizon 2020 and future framework programs for research and innovation.

Main goals:
  1. Improved funding opportunities for hematology research.
  2. To have hematology’s seven unmet clinical and scientific needs (as identified in the EHA Roadmap for European Hematology Research) taken into account in the development and implementation of future EU Research & Innovation framework programs and calls for proposals.
  3. To enhance Horizon 2020 implementation in the coming years based on researchers’ feedback.
Interested in reading the full paper? Click here
POSITION 2: Access to treatment for patients with blood disorders

Key message: The EU must encourage and help Member States improve access to treatment – essential element of the human right to health – and balance the quality and the financial sustainability of healthcare.

Main goals:
  1. To include hematology’s unmet needs in the Roadmap for Personalized Medicine.
  2. To encourage and support an EU-wide information and reporting system to reduce medicine shortages.
  3. Long-term support for the European Reference Network in Rare Hematological Diseases (EuroBloodNet). (Click here for more information on European Reference Networks.)
Interested in reading the full paper? Click here
POSITION 3: EU collaboration on pricing and reimbursement of innovative medicines

Key message: EU collaboration must be strengthened to reduce the prices of innovative medicines.

Main goals:
  1. To develop (in coalition with other stakeholders) a pan-European strategy to curb drug prices.
  2. To support increased transparency of pricing and reimbursement decisions.
  3. Extension of the scope of joint procurement and joint negotiations by Member States to include essential medicines.
  4. Consultation of hematologists, and strengthened European cooperation, in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) policies and processes.
Interested in reading the full paper? Click here
POSITION 4: Towards a Europe-wide definition of professional qualifications in hematology

Key message: A Europe-wide definition of professional qualifications in hematology is good for patient safety and for professional mobility.

Main goals:
  1. To harmonize and enhance minimum training requirements, and to ensure recognition of hematology as a medical specialty, across Europe.
  2. To strengthen the Continuous Professional Development of hematologists.
Interested in reading the full paper? Click here
POSITION 5: Application of EU legislation on human blood and blood components

Key message: Involvement of hematologists is essential in efforts by EU and national authorities to improve implementation of legislation protecting the safety and quality of blood and blood components

Main goals:
  1. Structured interaction with the European Commission and (national) Competent Authorities regarding application of the EU ‘Blood Directives’.
  2. Involvement of hematologists in the preparation and implementation of the Joint Action (European Commission & Member States) on “Authorisation of preparation processes in blood and tissues and cells”.
Interested in reading the full paper? Click here

Question Title

* 1. Do you agree with and support the global direction and main goals of EHA’s position papers?

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* 2. Please specify:

Thank you for your input!

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