BioMed Alliance submits Joint Statement to EU leaders, as COVID-19 threatens medical associations
Subsequent to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, EASL and 32 other leading European medical associations – together forming the Biomedical Alliance in Europe (BioMed Alliance) – have submitted a joint statement to EU leaders.
Together, we are calling for support and funding for medical and research societies so we can continue providing guidance for healthcare professionals, now and in the future. EU policies, intended to support the economy and small to medium enterprises during this crisis, should take into account the challenges that not-for-profit organisations face, particularly medical societies.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major challenge that has a disruptive effect on European health systems and societies. European health professionals are working around the clock to save the lives of European patients, and governments and the EU Institutions are doing everything in their power to support their heroic efforts. However, the medical and research societies that health professionals rely on for up-to-date information on clinical practice are facing serious challenges. As medical congresses are being cancelled or postponed, not-for-profit societies are faced with substantial costs that may threaten their existence and thus their ability to provide clinical guidance to health professionals. Therefore, the Biomedical Alliance in Europe calls on the EU and Member States to support medical societies to ensure they can continue providing their services now and in the future.