Greece – Health Care system and market has shown consistent growth since the 1980's. However, in recent years, Greece health care system is facing a tremendous demographic pressure. Life expectancy in Greece is around 80% indicating that nearly 20% of the total Greece population is over 65 years. Health care market is expanding in Greece. The health care services like doctors and hospitals show an uneven distribution in the country. During the 1970's Greece's expenditure for health care were comparatively lower than average Western nations. Public health facilities co-exist with private health facilities. There is no clear line of demarcation between the two, as a result of which public hospital doctors also engage in private practices. The health care system in Greece is managed and controlled by the state. The main aim was to facilitate equal distribution of health care facilities. The government spends 5% of its GDP on the health care system.
Greece Hospitals
Greece has a judicious mix of both public and private hospitals. The public hospitals play a very significant role in Greece's health care system. The AHEPA University Hospital is a famous hospital at Thessaloniki. It is one of the biggest hospitals in northern Greece. It is a part of the National Healthcare System of Greece and is a major teaching hospital. The Interbalkan Medical Center is one of the well known private general hospitals in Greece. The capital city of Athens has many hospitals. There is the Laiko General Hospital, The Metropolitan Hospital, The Evgenidion Hospital and the Evangelismos hospital. The Agios Andreas Hospital in Patras is also a well known hospital in Greece.
Greece SOS Doctors
SOS Doctors in Greece are medical practitioners who attend to in house medical calls. Greece SOS doctors have special characteristics. House calls in Greece are made not only by general physicians but also the specialists. There is a separate organization for these doctors by the name of Greek organization of SOS doctors. In the organization 21 different medical specialties are available. Any in house call is attended within one hour of request, by these SOS doctors. The SOS doctors in Greece are well equipped with basic drugs and electrocardiogram machines. Medical records of patients, visited by the SOS doctors are carefully maintained.
Greece National Health Service
The Greece National Health Service, was introduced with the intention of promoting equal distribution of public health care system in Greece. It is currently working towards a goal in upgrading the country's existing hospitals, building new facilities, purchasing hi tech equipments and improving accident and emergency facilities. The National Health Service also provides free or subsidized health care to those who have contributed to Greek social security.
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