He challenged the obsession with only using arguments to provide the economic case, or allowing current austerity to prevent effective action.. ‘’Why? We have a moral responsibility. Much more can be done at all levels, and financial difficulties are not a barrier. Avoidable health inequalities are wrong! We should talk about social justice. If we can make the economic case as well, that’s fine, but not a substitute.” The Commission presented their report on health inequalities carried out together with UCL, and highlighted how Structural Funds could be used, not only to improve health infrastructure, but to tackle the social determinants.
See Summary notes of the meeting and website http://www.equityaction-project.eu/ for more details on the project and conference.
Also: European Portal for Action on Health Inequalities: http://www.health-inequalities.eu/