How does EU law affect national law and individuals' rights, especially in healthcare?

EU law requires Member States to adjust their national laws to meet EU regulations and directives. For instance, countries must ensure medical devices are safe and support patient access to cross-border healthcare. If a country fails to implement these correctly, like the Patients' Rights Directive, it may limit patient rights or access to care across EU borders. When directives are clear, individuals can sometimes use them directly to claim rights—such as challenging a government for denying healthcare reimbursement. Overall, EU harmonization strengthens individuals' rights and healthcare protections across Member States.