Contributing to an improvement in people’s quality of life is the primary goal when we embark on a project in the healthcare sector. For this, the role of patients is essential.
Patient associations have evolved significantly in recent times. Gone are the days of the paternalistic approach they once received in certain settings and gone too is the assumption of their limited qualifications to participate in high-level decision-making.
They no longer just receive information about their condition, and their role is no longer limited to simply listening — they are now key players in the creation of solutions.
Advances in their regulation
All of this is now being further strengthened by the recent announcement from the Minister of Health of Spain, Mónica García, about the start of work on the upcoming Law on Patient Organizations, with the aim of passing it during this current legislative term.
With this legislation, progress is being made towards better legal recognition of these entities, which are currently governed by the same laws as any other association, and towards regulating their involvement in the National Health System.
The Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, summarized the upcoming law’s four main objectives:
- Providing patient organizations with a specific legal status
- Creating a registry that facilitates their participation
- Establishing these organizations’ rights
- Identifying these organizations’ duties
This is how the health system plans to recognize the fundamental role of patient associations in improving public policies and their valuable contribution to defending the rights of people with healthcare needs.
An essential role
iPg ACCESS forms alliances with patients, doctors, scientists, and public administrations in support of everyone’s right to healthcare.
The fact that patients are mentioned first on this list is no coincidence. Throughout our work on projects across therapeutic areas, the role of patient associations has been key in humanizing the process (they are not numbers or statistics — they are people with names and lives) and better aligning objectives with their needs.
One example is the participation of Begoña Barragán, President of the Spanish Group of Cancer Patients (GEPAC), a clear reflection of these associations’ growing expertise, consistency, preparedness and organization.
Barragán brings a unique experience that enriches decision-making; she is an essential voice that brings decisions much closer to the daily realities of patients.
Continuing to place patient associations at the centre of decision-making is key to achieving quality care that is truly tailored to their needs. For this reason, we welcome all progress that facilitates and enhances the development of their activity, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.
Are you about to launch a project that requires the insight and experience of a patient association? Let’s talk.
