Leading patients’ groups from six continents will host a range of events to raise awareness among the public and will urge decision-makers to respect, protect and fulfill patients’ rights at every level of care. Events will include marches, free health screenings and meeting with ministers to change perspectives around health and improve the lives of patients.
The World Health Organization states that every person has “the right to the highest attainable standard of health.” This is supported by the International Human Rights Framework, a body of international law that outlines and upholds the basic rights of every person. Patients taking part in Patient Solidarity Day will stand up for their rights and call for healthcare providers to respond.
Liz Gwyther, Chair of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, said: “Palliative Care is part of the Right to Health which is abbreviated from “the right to the highest attainable standard of health” and includes the elements of availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality.
“People with advanced illness who have palliative care needs have particular requirements for care such as care to be provided in the patient’s home to improve availability and accessibility, to be treated with respect and compassion to enhance acceptability, and quality care with attention to detail so that each person receives care individualised to their particular needs.
“Patient Solidarity is critical to ensure that the patients’ voice is heard to promote access to palliative care and to protect and respect patients’ right to quality palliative care as part of Universal Health Coverage.”
Kawaldip Sehmi, CEO of the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, said: “All of us should have access to the healthcare we need: good quality, affordable care without fear of discrimination. Healthcare is a human right for all. We call on individuals, organisations and institutions to ensure that health systems are designed and services delivered to meet the needs of patients.”
Patient Solidarity Day has steadily grown since being launched by the Morris Moses Foundation in 2011. Last year’s event, coordinated by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, marked the first year as a global campaign and saw 80 organisations from 32 countries take part. This year’s theme continues the legacy of previous years by raising awareness around the rights of patients and placing them at the centre of healthcare.
Read more about Patient Solidarity Day online and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #PSD2015 and handle @PatientSolDay.
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