By Martin Banks - 9th May 2011
We must therefore understand it [pain] better and manage it correctly
John Dalli
EU commissioner John Dalli says that demographic change means that physical pain will "increasingly" become an important political issue.
Dalli, who is responsible for health and consumer policy, said "each one of us has lived with pain at some point or another in our lives.
"We should realise that as the demographic profile of Europe changes and as the population becomes older, pain will become an increasingly important issue in the future."
He added, "We must therefore understand it better and manage it correctly."
The official was speaking at a debate in parliament on the "societal impact of pain", attended by nearly 300 European health care stakeholders from more than 30 countries.
Dalli said the symposium highlighted the impact that pain had on "individuals, on our working environment, and on society at large".
According to a recent report almost nine per cent of European citizens suffer from daily pain, it was said.
The prevalence of pain negatively increases with age and has a tremendous impact on patients' quality of life, the parliamentary hearing heard.
The event, supported by all three European institutions, aimed to raise awareness on the need for an improved pain care in Europe and showcase a new 'road map for action'.
The 'road map' calls on European governments and institutions to work on seven 'dimensions' of pain', including an acknowledgement of pain as an "important factor limiting the quality of life".
It also calls for improved availability of information and access to pain diagnosis and management, plus increased awareness of the medical, financial and social impact involved.
Irish EPP deputy Jim Higgins, who chaired one of the sessions, said, "Pain affects us all, whether personally or through someone dear to us.
"It truly affects everyone across all member states. The roadmap for action highlights the key policy dimensions for all EU governments and member states and illustrates the urgency for Europe to act by putting the societal impact of pain on the healthcare policy agenda," said Higgins, a parliamentary bureau member.
He added, "The success of the road map is that it takes into account all angles that should be tackled, from access to pain diagnosis, to raising awareness up, to sharing best practice and monitoring through an EU platform."
Alberto Grua, of the research-based pharmaceutical company, Grünenthal Europe and Australia, said, "Due to the high prevalence of pain and its alarming impact on patients and society, 'pain' should be recognised as a significant health care quality indicator."
