On 7 October 2014, HOPE organised with COCIR (European Association representing the medical imaging and healthcare IT industry) and AER (Assembly of European Regions) a workshop on the importance of using the European Structural and Investments Funds (ESIF) to drive sustainable healthcare systems. This was part of the Open Days 2014, a series of events organised every year in Brussels to gather regional decision makers.

Good health is recognised as an important asset for regional development and competitiveness. Yet health inequalities are increasing across Europe’s regions, as shown by the WHO. The three partners were offering a debate demonstrating the critical role ESIF can play in achieving sustainable healthcare models, with better access for, and inclusion of, patients.

Under the new EU Structural and Investment Funds rules, these can still support Member States and their regions in transforming and modernising their healthcare systems. The debate discussed how investment in health infrastructure and eHealth, in innovative care delivery models and in qualitative training of health professionals represent an effective use of EU Structural and Investment Funds.

Speakers discussed the challenges they face in their healthcare systems and shared their experience with using the ESIF efficiently. In the conclusions of the event, it was highlighted that investing in health had been recognised by the European Commission as a key driver for keeping healthcare systems sustainable, for keeping people active and healthy, and for reducing existing health inequalities, all of this against a background of demographic change and rising chronic disease.