It is no coincidence that, according to data published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Greeks appear to spend more on private healthcare than any other nation in the world.

A recent study carried out by the University of Athens has underscored the shortcomings of the National Health System, or ESY, in terms of organization as well as financing.

So while Greece has the largest number of doctors per capita, it also has the smallest number of nursing staff. Moreover, although the number of beds at Greece’s hospitals does not trail the OECD average, these are not evenly distributed. Most are to be found in the clinics of Athens.

Everyone agrees that the government should put more money into the health system. That’s all good, but first the system needs to be organized.

Before acquiring a national health system that will fulfill people’s needs, we must first acquire a national system for health. We must maximize the outcome of current as well as future spending.