Greek Health System

One continues to see a four-digit number of COVID-19 cases daily despite the protracted lockdowns. Every day over 400 COVID-19 patients nationwide are admitted to hospital.

The refusal of private hospital owners in Thessaloniki to offer up their facilities with payment to fight the COVID-19 crisis is anti-social and incompatible with the Hippocratic Oath

In this new battle against the “invisible enemy”, as the new coronavirus has become known, societies appear worn out and their patience and endurance are being exhausted.

In a recent editorial, Ta Nea underlined that neglecting guidelines and recommendations constitutes criminal irresponsibility and anti-social behaviour.

One cannot over-emphasise everyone’s individual responsibility as there were acts and events that violated state-issued guidelines, such as a ban on carnivals which was defied by many in Patras,

Greece is now confronted with a public health crisis. It has become abundantly clear from other recent crises that one cannot manage an emergency without cooperation, maturity, and compliance with the rules and regulations.

Understanding these facts about the virus is crucial in Greece which is in a process of recovery after a decade-long crisis and fear is an obstacle in the effort to jumpstart the economy.

That reality is clearly demonstrated in the exhausting work schedules imposed on doctors and nurses on the islands in order to meet the heightened needs of the summer months.

The role of a minister is to anticipate disasters and not to play the role of commentator and judge.

A parliamentary committee investigating possible scandals in the state’s procurement of medicines and vaccines has recommended a further judicial probe of the case.

The report states there were many instances of obvious irregularities and violations and concluded that 'a further investigation of the pricing of diagnostic arthroscopy is required'.