The IPTS Report: Health policy (September 1997)
Health policy, and the contribution of research to the field, is the focus of the latest issue of "The IPTS Report", the monthly journal of the Institute of Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), part of the Commission's Joint Research Centre. The aim of European research in the health field must be to respond to citizens' concerns, according to Commissioner Edith Cresson, writing in the foreword. For this reason, she says, it will be a priority in the Fifth Framework Programme. The recent concern over BSE (mad cow disease) illustrates the public concern and need for research in health areas. This must, however, be backed up with information, if developments in biotechnology are not to scare the public. Articles in this issue of "The IPTS Report" look at issues such as: conflict between the pharmaceuticals industry and patients' interests; early warning systems to prevent food-borne diseases; telemedicine; and the development of minimally invasive surgery. A further article examines the overall status of health policy at European level, noting that, until recently, legal and institutional factors have meant that public health has received little attention at Community level.