Health policy in Greece
The health system underwent significant cuts in public spending
Between 2009 and 2013, public spending on health fell by EUR 5.2 billion – representing a 32% drop in real-terms.
This reduction clearly represents a shock for the system to adsorb, even though it is clear that there were inefficiencies in the Greek system (for example, inappropriate prescribing, weak primary care, imbalances in the mix of health professionals). A whole series of changes to entitlement, benefits and user charges as well as structural reforms have left all sectors of the Greek health system affected.