Financial crisis and primary health care in Greece. Is it time for family medicine?

Abstract

The austerity period in Greece over the past few years has impacted the Greek health care system and more specifically primary care, with the ongoing budget cuts directly affecting the health care sector. This period has impacted access to healthcare services and a great proportion of the population does not receive continuous and personalized care. Primary care is known to be a fragmented system with a lack of integration; the Greek National Health Health System has attempted to improve with clear outcomes; yet there is still room for criticism. A focus of improvements will be considered in the current review. The Greek health care system is unstable and General Practice/Family Medicine still requires further recognition to enhance Primary Care to the general population, although many efforts have been undertaken. The current situation will be explained in this review, examining the tailoring that is required to enhance General Practice/Family Medicine in Greece and if it is necessary. In addition, approaches will be discussed on how to increase the populations’ health status and above all to reduce health inequalities; as they are evident in the current health care setting. It is a subject that is receiving prompt attention during this difficult period in Greece.