Patients Association asks voters to consider Lisbon from health perspective

The Irish Patients' Association has asked voters to consider the Lisbon Treaty from a health perspective.

The group believes the treaty will bring multiple benefits to healthcare because it upholds the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The IPA is distributing 150,000 cards promoting a list of health rights drawn from the charter.

Stephen McMahon, a spokesperson for the IPA has urged the public to consider the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

“There is a major health dimension in that under Article 35, which guarantees a high level of protection of human health,” Mr Mc Mahon said.

“That means that health is both an individual and a social good, so it is important from that perspective to be aware of that,” he added.