Last update:
23-Jan-2017

The increased influx of immigrants and refugees recorded recently in Greece, and particularly in 2015, demonstrated the need for strategy for the protection of public health and the resolving of malfunctions in primary health care (PHC). The provision of PHC to immigrants and refugees presents a multi-faceted challenge, with a socioeconomic dimension, to ensure social cohesion, to promote a non-discriminatory health system and to facilitate the integration of the immigrants in the productive sector of the country. The chronic weaknesses of the National Health System, in combination with the increased influx of immigrants and the economic recession, have necessitated the involvement of non-profit organizations, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which, in cooperation with the public health services, can contribute to more effective provision of primary health care. The NGOs are supported by operational management, adequate staffing and funding opportunities. The adoption of planning-programming steps accelerates the development of services and identifies weaknesses and threats during the implementation of action plans. The main parameters for efficient functioning of the NGO health organization are actions aimed at providing quality health services, psychological support and social integration for immigrants, and protecting public health. Finally, evaluation, throughout the planning steps and implementation, is emphasized as a useful tool for the optimal use of resources and viability control of the health services for immigrants and refugees.

Key words: Immigrants, Non-governmental organization, Planning-programming, Primary health care, Refugees.