THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --



The European Hematology Association is organizing its 19^th Congress in Milan, Italy - June 12-15, 2014.

Following last year's successful introduction, the EHA congress program will be complemented by a dedicated advocacy track. This track combines all patient and policy related sessions into one comprehensive full-day program on Saturday.

Jan Geissler, a Patient Advocate remarked about the Congress: "Over and above scientific updates, much can be achieved in partnership between hematologists and patients. The EHA patient advocacy track is embedded into the scientific program of the EHA Congress and was very popular in previous years. It provides a unique chance for experts and patient advocates to meet and discuss key issues in the interest of both communities."

In the first session, several speakers will discuss the quality of generic drugs from the doctors' and patients' perspectives. Relating to EHA's Theme of the Year 2013-2014 on Age and aging in blood disorders, the second patient advocacy session discusses the challenges of young patients with old people's diseases.

The patient advocacy sessions are followed by the EHA-ESH symposium, which interactively deals with explaining unavailability of treatment. Even if older patients themselves are not well informed, other - more internet-savvy - family members may be well placed to act as their advocates; this issue will be addressed in a role-play between a doctor, a patient and his family member.

In collaboration with the American Society of Hematology a joint program will be developed, which covers a transatlantic discussion on the controversial topic of drug pricing.

The track closes with EHA's own advocacy session on the future of hematological research in Europe. This session will invite all stakeholders to discuss a consensus program on research into blood disorders. "Long overdue" says Andreas Engert, EHA Board member. He believes that "when the hematology community in Europe reaches consensus on the future of research into blood disorders, funding agencies must follow suit."

Press  Registration:

Registration for members of the press is free. To receive your personal link for the online registration, please send an e-mail with your request and media credentials to communication@ehaweb.org. The Congress Media Guidelines are available here.

Press  Briefing: 

The press briefing will be held on Friday June 13, 08:30 - 10:00 a.m. CET

http://www.ehaweb.org

SOURCE European Hematology Association