EPF submits Operating Grant application under EU4Health

Today 31 January 2024 EPF submitted its application for an operating grant under the EU4Health Programme of the EU. The proposal encompasses the largest part of our work, including our advocacy, awareness, membership support, and capacity building activities aimed at reinforcing the democratic participation of patient organisations in EU and national health policy, research and practice.

Recognising and supporting patient organisations in EU health policy discussions

The application is based on the EPF workplan and aims to support our advocacy on important ongoing legislative files such as EHDS and the pharmaceutical legislation; awareness-raising on topics of global concern, such as pandemic preparedness, health data and Artificial Intelligence, and antimicrobial resistance; and patient community involvement in the implementation and monitoring of existing regulations such as on HTA and on medical devices. It also includes our core membership and capacity building activities including the Annual Meeting, regular Members’ Circles, the support to our Youth Group, and the Advocacy 101 training course. It also supports scaling up our communications and dissemination activities to bring the collective voice of patient communities to wider audiences and engage with more stakeholders.  

Anca Toma, Executive Director at EPF, said: “At EPF, we’re proud about the work we do to strengthen patient communities and represent and amplify their voices. Our work contributes to a true European Health Union. As the umbrella organisation striving to represent all patients across all borders  we hope that our strong, compelling workplan will have also the EU's recognition and support. We trust that our solid, consistent track record in bringing and coordinating the patient voice in EU policies, legislative processes, research projects, and many EU actions will be recognised with adequate and sustainable public funding.”