Reforming the reform: the Greek National Health System in transition.
The National Health System (ESY) in Greece, which was established in 1983, is in a state of continuous crisis. This situation is caused mainly by the system's problematic administration, low productivity and inadequate Primary Health Care. These have led the re-elected PASOK government to introduce by the end of 2000 a radical reform of the health system. The 200 reform measures announced by the new Minister of Health and Welfare include changes aiming at: the decentralization of the ESY, the creation of a unified financing system for the social insurance funds, a new management structure in public hospitals, the organization of a Primary Health System in urban areas, and the strengthening of Public Health and Health Promotion. These changes are presented and discussed in this paper.
Tountas
Yannis
Y
Center for Health Services Research, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Alexandroupoleos 25, 115 27 Athens, Greece. chsr@med.uao.gr
Karnaki
Panagiota
P
Pavi
Elpida
E
D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011635:Public Health Administration; D014505:Urban Population