Last update:

   02-Feb-2012
 

Arch Hellen Med, 29(1), January-February 2012, 106-115

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Time trend study on the institutional framework of the Greek Primary Health Care System (1980−2008)
and experience of the British and Swedish models

A. Gianasmidis, M. Tsiaousi
Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

A study of the Greek Primary Health Care (PHC) System from 1980 until 2008 was conducted, as reflected by the legislative framework concerning the organization of the PHC services. The literature on primary health care reforms in two other European countries (Great Britain and Sweden) was reviewed. The legislative framework of the Greek PHC System from 1980 to 2008 was analyzed. The material analyzed comprises all the laws concerning PHC in Greece (1980−2008), the Report on the Greek Health Services (1994), the 2000 Bill of Citizen's Health and the 2008 Bill of Organization and Operation of the PHC System. The provisions of the laws from 1980 to 2008 concerning the enactment of the family doctor service, the integration of PHC services and the autonomy of the state health centers have never been fully implemented. The Greek PHC system, in contrast to the British and Swedish models, remains fragmented and unable to meet the health needs of the population.

Key words: Health policy, Health policy reforms, Primary health care.


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