Health prevention can delay costly treatments in Greece
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Healthcare professionals in Greece discussed how prioritizing preventative care could improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs. Aris Alexopoulos, a Professor of Public Health at the University of Crete, noted that 3 million premature deaths could have been avoided with better primary care interventions, particularly for cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
He explained that Canada allocates 6.9% of its health spending to prevention, while Greece spent 3.1% in 2024, increasing from 1.1% in 2013.
Several speakers emphasized the importance of guiding patients through the healthcare system and rewarding healthcare outcomes rather than simply the volume of services provided. Kostas Athanasakis, an Associate Professor of Health Economics at the University of West Attica, highlighted that lifestyle choices made before age 65 significantly impact health later in life.
He also suggested that evaluating the value of every euro spent on healthcare is crucial, and that Greece has a lower rate of private health insurance participation due to cultural factors. Nikos Dedes, Secretary of the Hellenic Patients’ Association, stressed the need for patient guidance within the healthcare system, especially for those with multiple illnesses. He also pointed out that Greece has a high level of private healthcare spending, placing a burden on older individuals.
Participants also discussed the need for innovation in healthcare and a collaborative approach involving the government, academia, healthcare professionals, and the business community to build a sustainable system focused on the patient.
