HACRO – the Hellenic Association of Contract Research Organizations – was honoured to participate in the event “The Role of Patients: Participation and Rights in Healthcare,” organised by the Greek Patients Association at the Hellenic Parliament on 27 April, marking the European Patients’ Rights Day.
HACRO warmly congratulates the Greek Patients Association for this important initiative, which highlighted the essential role of patients as active partners in healthcare and clinical research.
Representing HACRO, President Evangelia (Lia) Koraki emphasised that protecting patients’ rights is a fundamental principle of ethical clinical research. She underlined the importance of informed, voluntary and safe participation, as well as the responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard patients’ dignity, autonomy and wellbeing throughout every stage of a clinical study.
Effective protection of patients’ rights requires the consistent implementation of internationally recognised ethical principles, including the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki and the Declaration of Lisbon on the Rights of the Patient. These principles ensure:
- The right to receive clear, comprehensive and understandable information about the objectives, procedures, potential benefits and possible risks of a clinical study.
- The right to freely and voluntarily participate, as well as to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time without any consequences for future care.
- The right to privacy and the protection of personal data.
- The right to safe, respectful and high-quality care throughout participation in a clinical study.
- The right to equitable access to innovative treatment options through clinical research.
HACRO remains committed to promoting patient-centred clinical research, where respect for patients’ rights, ethical conduct and transparency are fundamental to scientific excellence and public trust.