Preventive healthcare

Only six out in 10 Greeks believe in the effectiveness of vaccinations in combating the spread of infectious diseases, while three in 10 suspect that the risks of side effects are equal to or greater than the benefits, researchers have found.

''Demonopolisation of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), redistribution of funds, improving nation's culture of health and doing more preventive medical examinations - these must be the priorities for the new Health Minister'', said Prof. Mladen Grigorov, head of the Clinic of Cardiology at the Second Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment Sofia, according to FOCUS Radio.

Diseases linked to lifestyle choices, including diabetes and some cancers, kill 16 million people prematurely each year, the World Health Organization said Jan. 19, urging action to stop the "slow-moving public health disaster".