There is an alternative: Public health professionals must not remain silent at a time of financial crisis

摘要

Greece is under threat. As a member of the European Monetary Union, it has few policy options to respond to its debt crisis. The troika of the European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank have imposed a severe austerity regime, with severe cuts to social welfare and education. Greece's health budget has been cut in half since 2007.The consequences for Greece's National Health Service are now apparent. Those in need are increasingly unable to see doctors. Neighbourhood clinics are closing so people must travel further, and those still open face staffing cuts and reduced opening hours; 26 000 public-health workers (including 9100 physicians) have lost their jobs. Cuts of 40% to hospital budgets have led to shortages of medicines and supplies. Those who once purchased private health care are turning to the public sector: admissions have fallen by one-quarter in private hospitals while increasing about 40% in hard-pressed public hospitals.