“World Health Day is a welcome occasion to recall that good health is a value in itself. It is worth fighting for even more when the economic situation is difficult.  Best possible health and access to healthcare for all are first and foremost a human right. European doctors underline that good health is priceless.“

CPME President, Dr Konstanty Radziwill

On the occasion of World Health Day 2012, CPME recalls that, despite the financial crisis, good health is a value in its own right. Physical and mental integrity as well as access to preventive and curative healthcare are fundamental rights which everyone is entitled to enjoy.

While the economic advantages of investing in health and a healthy workforce are compelling, economic gain alone should not be the motor to promote health. Each individual person experiences immense value in the possibility to maintain or regain good health.  Chronically ill patients enjoy a significantly improved quality of life when empowered to manage their condition independently. It is this value which must serve as the primary rationale for action.

Though political priorities and directions change, values must persist. CPME therefore calls on policy-makers to recollect that good health is priceless. Action in all policy areas should ensure the best possible health and healthcare for all. 

All CPME documents are available at: www.cpme.eu

For more information, please contact:

Birgit BEGER

CPME Secretary General

Tel.: +32 2 732 72 02

Fax: +32 2 732 73 44

e-mail: secretariat@cpme.eu