Greece must develop a national health strategy

The time has come for the Greek government to develop a national health strategy. In fact, it's long overdue.

Once hailed as one of Greece's greatest achievements, the National Health System (ESY) has been largely neglected by successive governments since its establishment 50 years ago. And the financial crisis of 2010 dealt it an almost mortal blow. That's a pity, because Greece has the potential to be a regional leader in health, wellness and the life sciences. But those ambitions will remain stymied until the country develops a national health strategy with a sound, sustainable and functional National Health System at its core.

The government has promised to develop such a strategy; it's time to deliver. Since the crisis, our healthcare system has been left to struggle in crisis mode. In 2009, public spending on healthcare was about 5 billion euros, which decreased...