Speaking following the voting through of new rules on cross-border health treatment, Dutch GUE/NGL MEP Kartika Liotard denounced the EU vision of healthcare as a market product.

"Care is not a commercial, tradable good; it's a basic need for everyone. The new EU directive will mean that insurers drive patients abroad in search of cheaper treatment. But patients - especially if they are seriously ill - just need care in their region, close to their family and a doctor who speaks their language."

"Patients from rich countries will be able to travel to less expensive, poorer, countries where there is a threat that care standards for locals will deteriorate to make room for profitable health tourism."