Gestor bibliográfico Crisis y Salud

The current economic crisis hit Greece more severely than any other European country, posing a direct threat to health, but also offering the Greek health system a 'questionable' advantage - an opportunity to redesign the whole approach to healthcare. The political will to confront the interests of professional and social groups has been strengthened by the economic threats. The implementation of deep, strategic changes is critical, with the key targets being 'value for money' and effective and efficient allocation of the scarce resources. What has been the response of the government to date? The most radical change was the merging of health insurance funds and the establishment of EOPYY, (National Organization for Healthcare Provision), a monopolistic purchaser with enhanced negotiating powers.1 The formulation of a common package of benefits has offered the means to eliminate social inequalities. The next most important measure was the launch of an electronic prescribing system, which enables monitoring of doctors' behaviour. Clinical practice guidelines for common diseases were developed, aiming to provide evidence-based and safe practice. Other measures were imposed to tighten control over pharmaceutical expenditure.