WRITTEN QUESTION E-2341/99 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Reopening of the oncological hospital in Kifisia.
Date: 1999-12-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, aid to disaster victims, cancer, competence of the Member States, earthquake, eligibility criteria, health care, medical institution

C 225 E/108

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

On 12 July 1999, the Council adopted a Recommendation 1999/519/EC (2) proposed by the Commission
on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. This takes account of the
scientific opinion of the International commission on non-ionizing radiation, supported by the Commis-
sion(cid:146)s scientific steering committee referring to established effects on human health of exposure to
electromagnetic fields.

In this context, it should be noted that the extensive research done in Europe through the co-ordinated
action of the COST 244 and 244bis projects over the last decade has not demonstrated any reproducible
detrimental effects on health at the levels of radio-frequency emissions typical of mobile phones and cell
masts.

If there is any adverse health effect,
it can only be a longer term effect, which is as yet unknown.
Therefore, research should further continue to measure such longer term effects. The results of current and
future research in this area will be considered in the context of the reporting procedure provided for in the
text of the Recommendation.

In the context of the 5th Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstra-
tion, the programme on (cid:145)Quality of Life and Management of living resources(cid:146) foresees in its key action
4 (cid:145)Environment and Health (cid:146) specific research on the health effects of electromagnetic radiation and in
particular epidemiological and biomedical studies to determine possible effects linked to non-ionising
radiation, particularly from cellular phones and antennas (point 2 of the quality of
life work pro-
gramme (3)). Several projects issued from the first call of this programme will soon be launched.

(1) OJ L 91, 7.4.1999.
(2) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.
(3) Commission decision C/99/493 of 4 March 1999.

(2000/C 225 E/110)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2341/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Reopening of the oncological hospital in Kifisia

(13 December 1999)

As a result of earthquake damage to the (cid:145)Agioi Anagyroi(cid:146) hospital, 2 500 cancer patients currently
undergoing treatment which can be neither delayed nor interrupted, are now unable to obtain their
treatment, while at the same time there are waiting lists for admission to other oncological hospitals.

The solution proposed by the Greek Government involving the transfer of individual hospital wards or the
closure and dispersal of hospital wards and laboratories to non-hospital premises will not, in the opinion
of the hospital(cid:146)s Scientific Committee, enable patients to continue their treatment effectively. It therefore
proposed that the hospital be redeployed to suitable available premises belonging to named hospitals
which have agreed to this solution.

Can the Commission indicate whether funding can be provided for the temporary redeployment of the
hospital in accordance with the recommendations of the Scientific Committee, pending completion of the
new hospital building?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(20 January 2000)

The Commission could consider part-financing the dispersal or provisional relocation of the Kifisia cancer
hospital
if the Greek authorities so request and on the basis of detailed information on the type of
expenditure. The choice of the solution to be proposed is the sole responsibility of the national authorities.