Public health: Community action programme 1997-2001 on health monitoring

In adopting the report by Mr Danilo POGGIOLINI (PPE, It), the European Parliament approved, with various amendments, the common position with a view to the adoption of a programme of Community action on health monitoring. One of the amendments sought to reinstate the budget of ECU 20 m, rather than the ECU 13 m provided for by the common position. Other amendments concerned: -the monitoring system and the scientific definitions on which it was based; -stepping up cooperation with international organizations, particularly the WHO and OECD, appropriate NGOs and health workers; -submission by the Commission of an interim report by 30/06/1999 and a final report by 30/06/2002; -granting of financial aid to the Member States to set up or improve a health data gathering system (databases); -carrying out of feasibility studies for the setting-up of a European Health Observatory which would be responsible for monitoring and analysing health data and indicators within the Community; -setting up an advisory committee to assist the Commission. �