Cuts in preventive screening in Greece for types of cancer covered by the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)

The EU Strategy ‘Together for Health’ supports the broader ‘Europe 2020’ strategy. It was within this framework that the Third Programme for the Union’s Action in the Field of Health (2014-2020) (Regulation (EU) No 282/2014) was drawn up. This programme is intended to help prevent disease in all its forms (primary, secondary and tertiary prevention) throughout the lifetimes of EU citizens, foster good health and promote supportive environments for healthy lifestyles.

In Greece, however, where the welfare state has been seriously damaged due to the implementation of the Memoranda, a recent ministerial decree has imposed cuts in preventive screening covered by the EOPYY in respect of serious forms of cancer such as cervical, breast and prostate cancer. This decision, which the Greek medical community has declared to be incompatible with modern scientific requirements, excludes Greek citizens from primary care, leaving them exposed to serious health risks.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Is it aware of this decision by the ruling coalition in Greece? How will it respond to such practices which are contrary to the above EU Health Strategy?

Source: European Parliament

Answer given by Mr. Borg on behalf of the Commission

The Commission has been informed that the Greek Ministry of Health is aiming at a substantial restructuring of the Greek National Health System in order to develop a system which meets the health needs of the population and is sustainable in the long term. In doing so, the Ministry of Health is proposing a number of reforms in different areas in the Health System, one of which is in the way diagnostic tests are applied.

Based on information provided by the Greek authorities, a recent Ministerial Decree was issued with regard to the use of diagnostics. To the knowledge of the Commission, this Decree regulates a number of issues including the professional qualifications required for the prescription of specific diagnostic interventions, but does not entail the exclusion of Greek citizens from primary care.

The European Commission is undertaking regular review missions to Greece to monitor this restructuring. As part of the on-going dialogue with Greek authorities, the Commission raised public health concerns and others related to quality and access to healthcare, in respect of the boundaries of the Commission’s mandate and in support of reform efforts undertaken by Greece. In this context, we will take the information in the question of the Honourable Member duly into account.

Source: European Parliament