The Greek healthcare system is adequate in terms of infrastructure and the provision of healthcare services, which are reflected well on high life expectancy and other indicators. However, it is inefficient and consumes more resources to provide uneven services to the citizens. Before any major reforms are set in motion, “housekeeping policies” should be implemented to bring the current system where it should have been.
Survey key points
Healthcare effectiveness
In internationally comparative terms, the Greek healthcare system appears to be both efficient and effective measured in terms of life expectancy at birth, but it does not enjoy the confidence of its users.
The finances of Greek healthcare
There has been a significant reduction in healthcare spending during the crisis without much of an impact on life expectancy. The private funding of the system is very high as a result of the demise of public spending. Finally, pharma spending is significantly higher than expected for a country like Greece.
Inefficiencies of the Greek healthcare system
The Greek healthcare system is adequate in terms of infrastructure, it has more technology investment than necessary in certain areas and it remains unbalanced in terms of doctors, nurses, while it consumes more pharma than necessary.
Policies for improving efficiency, productivity, and control across the healthcare system
It is imperative, before embarking on major structural reforms, to improve the system along a number of dimensions which will eventually be reflected on lower overall costs and lower private contributions:
- Strengthen resource management to improve productivity
- Pharma rationalisation to reduce both costs and private contribution
- Reinforce management and governance to remove ineffectiveness
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Director, Internal Firm Services, Marketing & Communications, Athens, PwC Greece
