WRITTEN QUESTION E-0353/04 by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission. Possibility of funding for a virtual health information project.
Date: 2004-02-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU action, EU financing, Internet site, action programme, dissemination of information, emergency medical treatment, health policy, information technology, telemedicine

C 84 E/370

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

(2004/C 84 E/0428)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0353/04

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(12 February 2004)

Subject: Possibility of funding for a virtual health information project

The European Union’s task of ensuring the population a high level of protection in the field of public
health, to complement measures carried out by the Member States, was recognised and emphasised by the
Commission in its Communication (1) on the health strategy of the European Community, which envisages
specific measures to address the health guarantee obligations deriving from the provisions of the Treaty
and the implementation of Community policies designed to ensure such protection, including an action
programme to support the sectors in which individual Member states cannot take effective action.

In the context of the initiatives devised for these purposes, it might be feasible to include a project for a
European information desk which people could contact directly, using the instruments offered by modern
technologies: for example, a healthcare network on the Internet and/or an interactive thematic satellite
channel providing not only information, but also diagnostic, therapeutic, pharmacological and first-aid
advice for users who could access the service and receive answers and advice in real time. Far from
replacing healthcare in clinics or hospitals, this initiative could substantially speed up the health service,
allowing thousands of patients who cannot go to the doctor in person to obtain immediate advice and
ensure that they are accurately informed about prevention and treatment in the event of emergencies,
as well as infectious diseases such as HIV, oncology, common diseases, new viruses such as SARS or the
re-emergence of diseases such as TB, which were thought to have been eradicated. An initiative of this
kind would also be useful in providing the population with an information service on topical subjects such
as wellness medicine, homeopathy and alternative medicine.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1. whether a project of this kind can be carried out with funding under the action programme referred

to above;

2. whether there are other forms of financial contribution the EU may provide to support a possible

initiative of this kind;

3. whether there already is or there will be a budget heading for the health strategy and whether it is to

be expanded in future?

(1) COM(2000) 285.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2004)

The Community public health programme (1) provides support for developing and operating a joint
1.
action with the plans drawn up under the eEurope 2002 and 2005 Action plans in order to improve
availability to the general public on the Internet of information on health matters, and to consider the
possibilities to establish a system for recognisable Community seals of approval for Internet sites.

Article 152 paragraph 5 of the Treaty establishing the European Community states that the Community
shall fully respect that the delivery of health services and of medical care is the responsibility of Member
states. A project offering diagnostic, therapeutic, pharmacological and first-aid advice to users is considered
as falling under national competence.

2.
The Information Society Technologies priority of the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and
Technological Development (2002-2006) supports research and development and demonstration projects
in the field of information technology and communications in healthcare e.g. professional health care
systems, home care services and personal health status monitoring systems. An application for funding of

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Official Journal of the European Union

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the outlined activity under this programme could be considered. The publication of the next call for
proposals in the eHealth area can be expected for late 2004. Further information about the activities on
eHealth within the IST-programme and the call for proposals in this context are available on the website of
the Commission’s Information Society Directorate-general (2).

3.
The Community Public Health Programme (2003-2008), which was adopted in 2002, plays the
central role in providing financial support and technical expertise for the development of the EU health
strategy.
Its financial envelope for the period 2003-2008 is EUR 312 million. A new Commission
Communication on the Community health strategy including a roadmap for action until 2010 is in
preparation.

(1) Decision No 1786/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 adopting a
programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008), published in: OJ L 271, 9.10.2002.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/information_society/eeurope/2005/all_about/ehealth/index_en.htm

(2004/C 84 E/0429)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0354/04

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(12 February 2004)

Subject: Funding for the creation of a multi-purpose auditorium

The municipality of Fiuggi in the province of Frosinone is creating a modern multi-purpose auditorium
with more than 2 000 seats where theatrical, musical and televised events can be held, as well as
conferences and exhibitions.

The project involves the extension and conversion of the existing Teatro delle Fonti, located in the Fonte
Anticolana park, and the environmental redevelopment and restoration of the site.

All year round the centre would constitute substantial added value for all the activities connected with the
Fiuggi spa centre.

All this will create new jobs and enhance the value of this region of central Italy further, not least because
of the above-mentioned park.

Can the Commission therefore say:

1. what measures or programmes are envisaged to fund this kind of initiative;

2. whether there are similar initiatives within the EU;

3. whether the Commission itself may sponsor the initiative?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2004)

Reference to the Single Programming Document indicating the scope of European Regional Development
Fund assistance for Lazio Region in the period 2000-2006 shows that operations of the type referred to by
the Honourable Member (provision of cultural service structures of touristic interest) can be aided under
Priority III (Development of local systems), specifically Measure III.2 on development of zones of touristic,
cultural and environmental interest.

It is the Regional Administration that as managing authority for the Lazio programme is responsible for
selecting and overseeing projects and that the Honourable Member will have to approach in connection
with eligibility of this particular project for assistance.