In 1983, Law No. 1397/83 was introduced to enhance public health and the integration of public care infrastructure in Greece. This law was the last regulation regarding the National Health System (ESH). Its primary objective was to provide free medical care and treatment to the Greek population and residents. The National Health System has been allotted a budget of 4,256,596,000 Euros in the 2021 budget. Greece’s National Health System was ranked 14th globally in terms of overall health performance in the year 2000 report of the World Health Organization.

Health Units

Health units in the country are divided into three sections:

Health Centers: There are 322 primary health care units in the country for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Health Teams: The number of Primary Health Care Teams in the country is 239.

Hospitals: In the country, 73 hospitals are available to provide inpatient care, which is categorized as secondary or tertiary health care.

Insured citizens receive health services from the National Social Security Institution, whereas free access to the National Health System is provided to uninsured and vulnerable groups since 2016.

The National Emergency Center (EKAB) endeavors to dispatch specialist personnel to the site, furnish emergency aid, and transport ill individuals to the nearest medical facilities.

Emergency Services : In Greece, emergency services operate on a watch system, with certain hospitals practicing shifts after working hours in various branches. Depending on the nature of the emergency, patients can receive assistance from the appropriate emergency service in their city, ensuring that they receive care from qualified professionals. The emergency service is offered free of charge, with only the patient’s identification information being recorded, and without any present or future costs.