Vigenin: Scientific progress only matters when it reaches the patient

“The fight against cancer is not only a matter of health policy. It is linked to research, innovation, competitiveness and the strategic resilience of the European Union. Scientific progress only really matters when it reaches people, and innovation is only valuable if it translates into longer, better and more dignified lives for patients.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament during a political round table on the future of cancer policy in Europe.

The discussion with Cancer Patients Europe

The discussion was organised by Cancer Patients Europe as part of the organisation’s annual conference. The event was attended by representatives of the European institutions, patient organisations, the scientific community and medical professionals, who discussed future priorities in European cancer policy.

In his speech, Vigenin stressedthat Europe must be the place where new medical solutions are created, where clinical trials are conducted and, most importantly, where ​ ​, ​​​ ​​ patients get timely access to modern treatment. “This requires more investment in research, modern diagnostic infrastructure, well-trained medical professionals and more efficient procedures that shorten the time from scientific discovery to patient treatment,” he believes. ​

Funding in the next EU budget

The MEP pointed out that the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework will be decisive for whether political ambitions in healthcare turn into real results. “As the Socialists and Democrats Group’s rapporteur in the Committee on Public Health on the European Competitiveness Fund, I insist that healthcare remains among the EU’s strategic priorities and that Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan receives the sustainable funding it needs,” he said.

In conclusion, Vigenin stressed that a successful European cancer policy requires joint efforts by the institutions, patient organisations, the scientific community and medical professionals.. In his view, this is the only way to build a European policy that puts the patient at the centre.