According to Article 168, §7 of the TFEU[1], the definition of national health policy and the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care fall mainly under the competence of the Member States. The Commission supports the intention of the Greek Ministry of Health to enhance the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of the Greek National Health System (NHS) as well as the quality and accessibility of public healthcare.

Previous reforms addressed long-standing weaknesses (improving hospital management, enhancing procurement, better managing demand for pharmaceuticals, commissioning private sector healthcare providers in a cost effective manner). These measures were designed to control expenditure in a way that would not compromise standards[2].

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the new ESM[3] programme furthers the efforts to restructure the NHS[4]. It promotes cutting waste and improving governance to make sure that the system is as effective and efficient as possible, which is crucial to meet the needs of the population but also to ensure sustainability.

Financial support through the European Structural and Investment Funds is provided to actions proposed by Greece according to its national priorities including funding of technical assistance provided by the World Health Organisation with the aim to strengthen capacity so as to provide universal health coverage. Moreover, the Commission, in the regular review missions to Greece and within the limits of its mandate, discusses with the Greek authorities any relevant public health concerns related to quality and access to healthcare and is open to assist further if required, notably through the provision of technical support by the SRSS[5].

• [1] Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
• [2] Section 3.3 of the Social Impact Assessment: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/pdf/assessment_social_impact_en.pdf
• [3] European Stability Mechanism.
• [4] Section 2.5.2 of the MoU provides the details: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/pdf/01_mou_20150811_en.pdf
• [5] Structural Reform Support Service.