According to a survey carried out by the Athens Medical Association, Greek patients reported that the most important problem they face today (29 per cent) is being unable to find a doctor contracted with the National Organisation for the Provision of Medical Services (EOPYY). Furthermore, many stated that they could not afford the drugs required for their treatment. Only 28 per cent responded that they can afford their medications without any problem.

Approximately 18 per cent of patients stated that they were unable to pay for their drugs, whilst 11 per cent said they were unable to easily find the drugs required for their course of treatment.

A significant proportion of patients said that they had been forced to discontinue their treatments or skipped doses because they did not have enough money to cover the cost of their mandatory contributions. Many patients also stated that they cannot afford the required contributions for drug and physiotherapy treatments, or that they are uninsured and do not have access to new treatments.

Two out of ten doctors have recently considered seeking employment abroad, whilst one in four doctors stated that they are optimistic about their future. About six in ten doctors and patients believe that health services have worsened in the last year, while only three out of ten consider them as good as or better than they were in the past.

Finally, one in two demands the political leadership intervene in order to improve the system.

Source: isaathens