The 20th anniversary of European Patients’ Rights Day was marked by a call to make personalised prevention a civic priority across Europe. The event, held at the European Parliament in Brussels, gathered representatives from European institutions, patient organisations, researchers, healthcare professionals, and civil society.
Organised by Cittadinanzattiva and its EU branch, Active Citizenship Network, the event highlighted the need for equitable access to innovative prevention tools. Daniela Quaggia and Mariano Votta of Cittadinanzattiva emphasized the importance of citizen-centered healthcare.
From Vision to Reality: Two Decades of Advocacy
When European Patients’ Rights Day began 20 years ago, the idea of prioritizing patients’ rights in European health policies was not mainstream. Today, after two decades of civic engagement and advocacy, this vision is more relevant than ever.
The 2026 edition focused on the evolution of preventive measures. It’s no longer just about public health campaigns or early diagnosis but about personalized approaches based on individual profiles.
The Challenge of Personalized Prevention
Personalized prevention, which includes genomic screening and digital risk assessment tools, must be implemented with equity and transparency. The event stressed that this is not just a medical issue but a civic one, requiring informed participation and health literacy.
Without these, there’s a risk of widening inequalities. This concern was echoed in discussions at the European Parliament, where participants emphasized the need for citizens to be active partners in healthcare governance.
This principle has guided Cittadinanzattiva since 2002, when the European Charter of Patients’ Rights identified preventive measures as a fundamental right. The 2026 event built on this, focusing on how scientific investment and democratic safeguards can ensure equal opportunities.
A Roadmap for the Future
The event drew on the EU-funded PROPHET project, which outlines priorities for implementing personalized prevention. These include health literacy, data governance, and citizen participation. The project’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda provides a concrete framework for action.
During the debate, participants discussed how to avoid a “two-speed” healthcare system, where only some benefit from advanced prevention tools.
The anniversary also celebrated the growth of European Patients’ Rights Day into a recognized platform for dialogue between institutions and civil society. Since 2007, it has been marked not just in Brussels but through local initiatives across Europe.
A Vision for Equitable Healthcare
As European healthcare systems face demographic, economic, and social pressures, reaffirming patients’ rights means reaffirming a vision of dignity, participation, and equality. Personalized prevention can be a powerful tool, but only if it’s accessible to all.
The event was endorsed by the MEPs Interest Group on European Patients’ Rights and supported by MSD, Redcare Pharmacy, and Viatris.
