MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos and the Hellenic Cancer Federation-ELLOK, in the framework of the All.Can Greece initiative, organised a round table discussion entitled: “European and National Cancer Strategy: The digital leap towards improving oncology care”, which took place on Wednesday, 1 November 2023, in Athens.
Among the participants of the high-level meeting were Mr. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for promoting the European Way of Life, Greek Minister of Health Mr. Michalis Chrisochoidis, Mr. Stelios Kympouropoulos, Member of the European Parliament, New Democracy and the European People’s Party, Mr. Eduardo Pisani, CEO of All.Can International, Mr. George Kapetanakis, president of the Hellenic Cancer Federation, Ms Fofo Kalyva, General Secretary of Public Health at the Greek Ministry of Health & Mr. Aris Aggelis, Secretary General for Strategic Planning at Greek Ministry of Health.
The discussion focused attention on groundbreaking approaches in oncology care including the progress, challenges & prospects of oncological care in Greece, the pivotal role of new digital tools in cancer management as well as the utilization of new healthcare technologies and innovative pharmaceuticals for cancer. Moreover, the discussion showcased the creation of a National Cancer Care Plan as a prerequisite for the improvement of cancer care and treatment in Greece.
ND MEP Mr. Stelios Kympouropoulos, laid emphasis on the fact that oncology should take advantage of the new digital technology and state-of-the-art therapies that can improve significantly on-time diagnosis and contribute to better outcomes for cancer patients. Mr. George Kapetanakis, president of the Hellenic Cancer Federation, pointed out that the new innovative digital technologies for health must ensure equal access for all patients, including vulnerable groups, and will boost crucial initiatives for the improvement of cancer care & treatment.
Vice-President of the European Commission Mr. Margaritis Schinas, underlined through a video message that European initiatives such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Care Plan and the European Digital Health Center stress the EU’s prioritization for the improvement of provided health services and access for every European citizen. Mr. Michalis Chrisochoidis, Greek Minister of Health confirmed that the government has already started the planning for the implementation of a new Cancer Care Plan that will be followed by the creation of a new national Cancer Registry with the use of new digital technologies.
CEO of All.Can International, Mr. Eduardo Pisani, highlighted that Europe’s Cancer Plan has created momentum and synergies across Europe and fosters the implementation of national cancer plans and national cancer registries. Mr. Pisani added that improving efficiency is not only about reducing the cost but also improving the experience and outcomes of the cancer approach stating that 20% of the resources for healthcare and cancer should be better utilised. In addition, Mr Andreas Charalambous, President of European Cancer Organisation mentioned that the European legislative framework should be modified in order to be attuned with the digital transformation on health and oncology and underlined the importance of health professionals participation in the decision making process towards this way.
The event was broadcasted in Greek and English language and was attended by major health policy stakeholders, representatives of health professionals union and associations, pharmaceutical companies and academics as well as patient associations members and the press.