European Charter of Patients' Rights

Your rights
as a patient

Every person receiving healthcare services in Europe is protected by 14 fundamental rights. At Affidea, these rights aren't just theory — they're the way we operate every day, in every examination, at every appointment.

14
Fundamental patient rights established by the European Charter.
2002
Year the European Charter of Patients' Rights was drafted.
18/4
European Patients' Rights Day, observed annually.
The European Charter

One Europe, 14 rights for all

The European Charter of Patients' Rights was drafted in 2002 by the Active Citizenship Network in cooperation with 12 European organisations. It was adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee in 2007 and is now part of European Law.

Its goal is to guarantee a high level of human health protection for all European citizens, regardless of the country or healthcare provider.

Patient rights are not a privilege. They are the foundation of a modern healthcare system that respects the individual.

2002 — Drafted

Created by the Active Citizenship Network together with 12 European citizens' organisations.

2007 — Legally Established

Adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and incorporated into European Law.

16 Languages — Pan-European Reach

Translated into 16 languages and applied across all European Union member states.

April 18 — Patients' Rights Day

Every year, Europe marks Patients' Rights Day, strengthening awareness across member states.

The 14 Rights

From principle to everyday practice

Each right of the European Charter corresponds to specific commitments and practices at Affidea — at your appointment, during your examination, in every interaction with you.

01

Right to Preventive Measures

Every individual has the right to proper services in order to prevent illness.

At Affidea

Personalised Check-Up programmes and preventive screenings (mammography, bone density, cardiac evaluation) for early diagnosis.

02

Right of Access

Access to the health services your health needs require, without discrimination based on race, gender, age or income.

At Affidea

Nationwide network of centres, online appointment booking, and partnerships with EOPYY and private insurance funds for equal access.

03

Right to Information

Access to all information regarding your health, available health services, and how to use them.

At Affidea

Clear guidance for every examination — what it involves, what preparation is needed, when results will be available.

04

Right to Consent

Informed consent before any medical procedure — with full knowledge of benefits, risks, and alternatives.

At Affidea

Before contrast-based exams or invasive procedures, you receive full information and sign an informed consent form.

05

Right to Free Choice

Free choice between different treatment procedures, examinations, and healthcare providers.

At Affidea

Choose your diagnostic centre, physician, and the time that suits you — online, by phone, or in person.

06

Privacy & Confidentiality

Protection of your personal and medical data, in full compliance with European and national law.

At Affidea

Full GDPR compliance, a dedicated Data Protection Officer (DPO), and a secure digital portal for accessing your results.

07

Respect of Patients' Time

Receive the necessary treatment within a short, predetermined period of time — at every stage of care.

At Affidea

Short-notice appointments, minimal waiting times at the centre, and fast result delivery — often the same day.

08

Observance of Quality Standards

Access to high-quality health services — both in specialisation and in adherence to specific standards.

At Affidea

International certifications, specialised physicians, and application of the strict standards of the European Affidea Group across 15 countries.

09

Right to Safety

Freedom from harm caused by poorly functioning health services, medical errors, or negligence.

At Affidea

State-of-the-art equipment, strict radiation protection protocols (low-dose CT), and continuous staff training.

10

Right to Innovation

Access to innovative diagnostic procedures in line with international standards, regardless of economic or budgetary constraints.

At Affidea

Continuous investment in cutting-edge technology — 3T MRI, low-dose CT, digital mammography, and AI-assisted imaging.

11

Avoid Unnecessary Suffering & Pain

Avoidance of unnecessary suffering and pain at every phase of illness and diagnostic procedures.

At Affidea

Open MRI for patients with claustrophobia, child-friendly environments, and staff trained in anxiety management.

12

Personalised Treatment

Diagnostic and treatment programmes tailored to each patient's personal needs.

At Affidea

Customised examination protocols and Check-Up programmes based on age, gender, family history, and medical background.

13

Right to Complain

The ability to lodge a complaint in case of harm and to receive a response or other form of feedback.

At Affidea

Open channels for complaints and suggestions, with a commitment to investigate and respond in every case.

14

Right to Compensation

Fair compensation within a reasonable period in case of physical, moral, or psychological harm caused by health services.

At Affidea

Full professional liability insurance coverage and transparent claim-handling procedures.

Our Commitment

The patient at the centre of every decision

At Affidea, protecting patient rights isn't an obligation — it's a value. Three pillars support every aspect of our operations.

Dialogue & Listening

Open channels of communication for every question, concern, or observation. Every patient is heard.

Data Protection

Full compliance with GDPR and Greek Law 4624/2019. Contact our DPO: dpo.gr@affidea.com

International Standards

We apply the strict standards of the European Affidea Group across 15 countries, with continuous quality audits.

Your health is a right — and our priority

From preventive screening to specialised diagnostics, every service we provide is designed to uphold these rights in practice.

For questions regarding your rights or to submit feedback, please contact our Data Protection Officer.