WRITTEN QUESTION E-0572/04 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission. Czech psychiatric hospitals.
Date: 2004-02-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Czechia, mentally disabled person, patient's rights, psychiatric institution, social policy

C 88 E/512

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

(2004/C 88 E/0523)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0572/04

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(26 February 2004)

Subject: Czech psychiatric hospitals

Could the Commission please illustrate what undertakings have been given by the Czech Republic to
improve their mental healthcare provisions, such as the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital in Prague, prior to
accession to the EU?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(13 April 2004)

Provisions on patients’ rights in the Czech Republic are currently included in different
laws and
regulations, mainly in Act No 20/1966 on Care of People’s Health, which has been amended several times.
The Act
the right of complaint/appeal and
compensation for damages.

includes e.g. provisions on treatment without consent,

The Commission has been informed that a proposal for a new Act on Health Care Services is being
prepared, which includes a specific chapter on patients’ rights. Furthermore, an amendment to the Act on
Social Security is being drafted, banning the use of beds enclosed with iron cages or netting in institutions
for mentally disabled and psychiatric hospitals. A Methodical Instruction is also being prepared to this
effect, and a pilot project is under preparation which should demonstrate to staff how to replace the use of
such restrictive means by modern practices.

The Czech Republic has committed itself to respecting and promoting human rights and fundamental
freedoms and has set up institutions for protecting and monitoring the implementation of these rights.
This creates a firm basis for assessing and developing the status and rights of patients. Increased public
awareness and involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should also help to further address
patients’ rights issues. The implementation of patients’ rights will also depend on the general situation in
the health care sector in terms of resources, training and supervision of care providers and responsible
authorities.

(2004/C 88 E/0524)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/04

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(26 February 2004)

Subject: Cuba (cid:1) Sakharov Initiative

In his recent reply to my question P-3132/03 (1) of 17 October 2003 on the Commission’s meeting of the
‘Sakharov Initiative’, Commissioner Nielson said that
the Commission firmly supported efforts to
democratise Cuba, and the President and the relevant members of the Commission would be extremely
pleased to meet Oswaldo Payá, should be decide to come to Brussels.

The President of the Commission, the Secretary-General of the Council and the High Commissioner for
CFSP (by letter of 9 January 2004) and the then Italian Presidency-in-Office all replied in an identical
manner.

However, Oswaldo Payá has already decided to move to Brussels. The problem is that the Cuban
authorities will not let him leave, are preventing him from travelling and are forcing him to remain in
Havana against his will.