Increased risks for Greek citizens arising from public health cuts imposed by the Troika

Article 168 TFEU states that Union action, which shall complement national policies, shall be directed towards improving public health, preventing physical and mental illness and diseases and obviating sources of danger to physical and mental health.

In Greece, the public health sector, which finds itself in serious difficulties as a result of memorandum policies, is now sounding the alarm.

To be more precise, hospitals are running desperately short of supplies and funds for the maintenance of medical equipment. Food for patients is in short supply and hospital staff numbers are diminishing dramatically, as those remaining struggle to cope with as many patients as possible.

Another major problem is the shortage of medicines in hospitals and pharmacies, placing the health of patients seriously at risk. At the same time, the prices of generic medicines in Greece are among the highest in Europe, compared with the price of equivalent medicines abroad.

In view of this:

Will the Commission, as a member of the Troika, continue to support its failed policies and insist on health cuts, thereby endangering the health of Greek citizens?

Source: European Parliament

Joint answer given by Ms Bulc on behalf of the Commission

Written questions: E-008514/15 , E-008743/15

The Union law recognises the need of Member States to ensure the territorial, economic and social cohesion of their territories, including the connections with islands. To that end Regulation 3577/92 allows Member States to organise public service to ensure regular connections with islands. The regulation does not however provide for any obligation in the matter. The decision on the public service need and its extent falls primarily under the responsibility of Member States.

Operating aid for the transport sector is not eligible for support by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs). The Operational Programme for North Aegean has been recently approved. It will pave the way for investing some EUR 301.7 million in the programming period 2014-2020. The main objectives of the programme are to create sustainable jobs and boost growth, in line with the smart specialisation strategy, and to complete the necessary infrastructures for socioeconomic development and for ensuring the connectivity among the islands and with mainland.

Source: European Parliament