The serious challenges facing the medical world and the health system were reported by ISA President George Patoulis, during the 9th plenary session of the presidents of the country’s medical associations.

The session highlighted, inter alia, the challenges of islanders in the field of health, with emphasis on staff shortages, difficulties of access to health structures and the need to enhance infrastructure, so that all citizens have equal opportunities and quality health services.

The ISA president pointed out that through targeted policies and coordinated actions, equal opportunities for health access to all islanders can be ensured, while stressing that telemedicine and local presence of specialized medical staff are keys to the viability and safety of the islands.

In particular, Mr. Patoulis referred to the strategy to support the health coverage of the islands with an emphasis on the following initiatives:

• Specialized General Doctors with Telemedicine: Putting doctors with special education in first aid and the use of telemediches to effectively support the small islands.

• Mapping of the population: Creating a complete recording of residents, to know at every moment how many heart patients, kidney disease or have other chronic diseases.

• Maintaining doctors for at least three years: Implementing a scoring system, to ensure continuity and experience in local care, while supporting local government for staying and living.

• Secondary care from the Prefectures: Creating a Protection Net for residents of the small islands, while reducing unnecessary and costly airlines.