A recent survey conducted by GPO for the Panhellenic Medical Association has revealed significant dissatisfaction among Greek citizens regarding the country’s public health system. The survey found that 61.1% of respondents expressed unhappiness with the public healthcare system, citing key issues such as staff shortages, outdated infrastructure, and poor organization.
Despite these considerable concerns, the quality of doctors working within the public system remains a significant draw for the majority of the population. The survey indicated that 64.8% of Greeks still consider public hospitals their first choice for medical care, largely due to the perceived competence of the medical professionals.
Furthermore, the personal doctor program, introduced as part of healthcare reforms, has seen a high level of enrollment, with 68.8% of respondents indicating they have signed up for the initiative. Among those enrolled, a majority expressed satisfaction with the program.
However, the introduction of paid afternoon surgeries last year continues to be a contentious issue within the Greek healthcare system. The survey revealed that 43.4% of respondents hold a negative view of these paid procedures. Notably, surgeons themselves expressed the highest level of opposition, with 60% viewing the afternoon surgeries unfavorably.
Despite the dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the public health system, there remains strong public support for broader healthcare reforms. An overwhelming 94.2% of respondents advocated for increased salaries for doctors, and an even higher 97.9% supported the implementation of incentives to attract and retain doctors in remote and underserved areas of the country.
The findings of this survey underscore the ongoing tensions and challenges within Greece’s evolving healthcare landscape, highlighting a system where the quality of medical professionals is valued, yet significant concerns persist regarding infrastructure, staffing, and organizational efficiency.
