The creation of a new model of primary health care, with emphasis on home care, telemedicine and the strengthening of Mobile Health Groups (COMY), was at the heart of the speech of the Deputy Minister of Health, Irene Agalidakis, at the 5th Public Health Conference of the EODY on "Modern Challenges and Prospects in Public Health".
Ms.Agavedaki announced that the process of bringing together, at the operational level, the Mobile Health Groups, the Mobile Units of Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Telemedicine Network is under way, while a joint business centre is being set up in Attica Hospital. As he said, this initiative will allow home medical care and hospitalization to be provided, while a pilot programme of oncology care and chemotherapy at home is already being implemented in the 1st Health District.
He made a special reference to the possibilities of telemedicine, pointing out that it can serve citizens even in remote areas, carrying out specialized distance examinations. He also stressed that the traditional primary care model, where the patient goes to health structures, has now completed his cycle, as modern social conditions require more active interventions and services that reach the citizen.
Emphasis on the strengthening of the EORP
The Deputy Minister was particularly concerned with the importance of cooperation with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), noting that joint actions and guidelines have received international recognition. At the same time, he stressed the need for further investment in the human resources of the EOIM, stressing that the future of health is directly linked to strengthening public health and prevention.
Referring to the digitization of the health system, Mrs.Galidakis pointed out that reforms implemented today will create valuable data and tools for planning more effective policies in the coming years.
Climate crisis and chronic diseases
An important part of the speech was devoted to the effects of the climate crisis on public health. Mrs.Agavedakis pointed out that increasing temperatures and changing weather conditions affect both transmitted and non-communicable diseases, leading to increased pressure on emergencies and hospitals.
As he said, the frequency of chronic respiratory disease patients, which in Greece may require up to two or three hospitals annually, is of particular concern. In this context, it described Mobile Health Groups as a key tool for monitoring and supporting patients who live alone or lack adequate access to health services.
Closing its placement, the Deputy Minister of Health stressed that the country is invited to face the challenges of ageing the population, climate crisis and increasing burden from chronic diseases, with the aim of maintaining patients in the community and reducing the need for repeated hospitalization.