Prevention is not only complementary health policy, but the foundation of public health protection and a key mechanism for the viability of the National Health System.

This was the focus of the debate on “Collaborative Approaches to address the major health challenges in Greece” in the context of the 2nd SUMMIT SPEE organized by the Hellenic Pharmaceutical Association (SFEE).

Irene Agapidakis, Deputy Minister of Health, said that prevention has now passed the focus of the national health strategy. “We no longer expect to get sick to act. With the program “PROVLY” we have adopted a new approach, and over 3 million beneficiaries have so far conducted preventive examinations. We have saved over 70,000 people, “he said.

The next step, he said, is to prevent renal failure, through the plasma creatinine examination, to identify renal function problems in time before they develop into chronic diseases. At the same time, he stressed, a new bill is being planned to tackle chronic diseases in the community, with an emphasis on prevention, management and monitoring them.

“Any country that does not follow the developments will have dramatic consequences, both in the years and in its pharmaceutical policy“, He underlined. He also referred to the National Electronic Health File, which will allow automated registers per disease.

Lenio Kapsaski, Technical Officer, Health Systems, World Health Organization Regional Bureau (which) referred to a new program to enhance the primary care system aimed at removing inequalities, deconstruction of hospitals and hospital support.

Christos Daramilas, president of the Pan -Hellenic Federation of Associations of Diabetes, emphasized that we now have the knowledge and opportunities for strategic investment in prevention. Through prevention, not only do we protect public health, but also significantly reduce costs.

“We are on a positive way, but that is not enough. Even more brave steps are needed to ensure that prevention, innovation and timely intervention will be the foundations of a fair, accessible and modern health care for all citizens“

For his part, Michalis Winter, General Manager of SFEE, referred to important initiatives developed for cancer, rare diseases and diabetes, with the participation of patients and medical community associations. As he pointed out, the goal is to better manage and care for patients, with an emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis, equal access to therapies and improving quality of life. The success of this effort requires close cooperation of all stakeholders and substantial support from the state.

Konstantinos Toutouzas, Professor of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a Hellenic Cardiology Society highlighted the need for a long -term national plan to address cardiovascular disease. One of the biggest obstacles in improving public health in our country is the lack of systematic recording of data and epidemiological data. “Prevention is a constant need. Therefore, the preparation and implementation of a national strategic health plan to cover in the coming years, with specific goals, measurable results and cooperation, is needed. “

Ioannis Tsimaris, MP Ioannina, Parliamentary Health Officer, PASOK – Change Movement said that “health is an investment, as long as it is targeted”. The participation of all stakeholders must be equal and substantial. Only with dialogue, transparency and respect can effective policies emerge, he stressed.