Health Action International and Health Projects for Latvia
Summer School
on
Access to Medicines and Their Rational Use in Europe

5 – 8 July, 2016
Riga, Latvia

Regular access to safe, affordable and effective medicines is integral to improving patient outcomes. But in the European Union (EU), ever-increasing medicine prices, combined with shrinking healthcare budgets, are jeopardising the potential for patients to access treatment when they need it. At the same time, pharmaceutical promotion continues to surround healthcare professionals throughout the EU, potentially undermining patient safety and the sustainability of healthcare systems.

During this summer school, participants will learn:

  • The current state of access to safe, affordable and effective medicines in the EU.
  • The negative impact of pharmaceutical promotion on healthcare professionals’ prescribing and dispensing decisions and how to respond to it.
  • Steps in national- and EU-level policy-making processes, along with analyses of current policies
    that impact access to medicines and their rational use.
  • How to plan and implement awareness and advocacy campaigns to improve medicine policies.

Faculty

  • Ilze Aizsilniece (MD):  Health Projects for Latvia
  • Wilbert Bannenberg (MD, MPH): Pharmaceutical systems consultant; Chair, HAI Europe Association
  • Linda Curika (MPSci): Independent communicator and publicist
  • Kathi Hawlik (MD): Member, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines
  • Manuel Martin: European co-ordinator (UK), Universities Allied for Essential Medicines
  • Barbara Mintzes (PhD): HAI Europe Association member; Senior lecturer, University of Sydney
  • Tim Reed (PhD): Executive director, Health Action International
  • Ancel.la Santos Quintano (MSc): Policy advisor (European Projects), Health Action International
  • Reinis Upenieks (MPsych): Member, Health Projects for Latvia
  • Christian Wagner-Ahlfs (PhD): Managing director, BUKO Pharma-Kampagne

Who Should Attend?

The Summer School curriculum would be of greatest interest to medical, pharmacy, public health, law, sociology and anthropology students, as well as medical residents.

How to Apply

Send a completed application form and brief letter (300–500 words) that clearly explains how the Summer School will contribute to your educational and professional goals.

Please email your application by 15 May, 2016, to haisummerschool@gmail.com.

Accommodation, Venue and Costs

This event is funded by a generous grant from the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA). There is no registration fee. Accommodation, meals, coffee breaks and course materials for participants will also be provided free-of-charge.

Participants from Estonia and Lithuania may apply for reimbursement for travel expenses up to €50. The course will take place at Turiba University, Graudu Street 68, Riga, Latvia.

About the Organisers

Health Action International (HAI) is the only non-governmental organisation entirely dedicated
to strengthening medicines policy to improve public health based in Amsterdam.

Health Projects for Latvia is an independent non-governmental organisation, member of HAI,
the only non-governmental organisation in Latvia working exclusively on medicines policy from the public health perspective.

Download the flyer for this event.

This event received funding under an operating grant from the European Union’s Health Programme (2014–2020).