The Prix Galien, as a prestigious institution with a strong scientific, humanitarian and social commitment, introduced a new award category for Patient Associations during the Prix Galien Greece 2015: the Patient Initiative Award.
The award aims to raise the visibility and recognition of Patient Associations and encourage them to further expand their activities and initiatives, helping to ensure that patients have the best possible access to reliable information, healthcare services and support.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Starting with the Prix Galien Greece 2019, the Patient Initiative Award categories were revised to highlight more effectively and recognise the targeted initiatives and achievements of Patient Associations.
The award categories are:
- Best Communication & Public Awareness Campaign
- Most Effective Negotiation with the Stakeholders
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Best Communication & Public Awareness Campaign
The Best Communication & Public Awareness Campaign Award is presented to the Patient Association that, during the 2019–2020 period, implemented an innovative approach or initiative in at least two of the following areas:
- Disease awareness campaign
- Patient empowerment and education programme
- Strategies for engaging new members (patients and volunteers), as well as retaining and actively engaging existing members
Most Effective Negotiation with the Stakeholders
The Most Effective Negotiation with the Stakeholders Award is presented to the Patient Association that, during the 2019–2020 period, achieved a measurable and demonstrable outcome for patients through an effective approach to engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders, including:
- The National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)
- Health journalists and media professionals
- Scientific and medical societies
The general eligibility criteria for Patient Association nominations are as follows:
- Board composition: At least 51% of the members of the Patient Association’s Board of Directors must be patients. Where patients are unable to represent themselves directly (e.g. minors, people living with mental health conditions, people living with Alzheimer’s disease, etc.), the majority must consist of their legally recognised representatives. The Association’s Articles of Association/Statutes must be submitted, clearly demonstrating the composition and governance structure of the organisation.
- Official recognition: Patient Associations must either be certified by the Ministry of Health or be in the process of obtaining certification, while being registered with the National Registry of Voluntary Organisations. The relevant certificates/documentation must be submitted, either as scanned copies or in PDF format.
- Evidence of activities: Patient Associations must provide evidence of their activities through press releases or other publications in print or online media, on their websites, or through social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). At least two representative press releases must be submitted as supporting documentation.
- Participation in conferences and meetings: Patient Associations must demonstrate participation in conferences or meetings of patient organisation representatives, either in Greece or internationally, with at least one presentation per year. A certificate confirming participation in at least one conference or meeting must be submitted.
- Submission of final nominations: Final Patient Association nominations must be submitted electronically via the Prix Galien Greece website by May 21st 2027, in Microsoft Word format. Additional supporting material relating to activities, communication campaigns or disease awareness initiatives may also be submitted as a PowerPoint presentation in PDF format or as a video file in AVI or MPEG format.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Best Communication & Public Awareness Campaign
The specific eligibility criteria for the “Best Communication & Public Awareness Campaign” category will be assessed across the following areas:
- Communication and promotion of the Association’s activities to both the general public and its members, through channels such as websites, newsletters, publications, press releases and other communication materials.
- Public and policy awareness regarding the impact of diseases, including disease awareness initiatives, the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, information on new and innovative treatments, and related healthcare issues.
- Patient empowerment and education, including initiatives designed to strengthen members’ knowledge, skills and ability to actively participate in decisions concerning their health.
Most Effective Negotiation with the Stakeholders
The specific eligibility criteria for the “Most Effective Negotiation with the Stakeholders” category will be assessed across the following areas:
- Effective patient advocacy and representation on issues including:
- Access to all available modern treatments and high-quality healthcare.
- Reduced patient co-payments and out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services and benefits, including medicines and diagnostic tests.
- Participation in health policy development and decision-making processes on issues relevant to patients and their needs.
All supporting documentation and certificates must be submitted electronically together with the nomination application.
