Diagnostic programs that include Pap smears, colonoscopy, and heart screening are available to all citizens, whether they have insurance or not.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Irini Agapidaki, spoke about free preventive checkups, which literally “give life”, emphasizing that for the first time in Greece, these funds are issued to citizens for preventive purposes. The total budget of allocated funds reaches 300 million euros. As the official explains, all the latest scientific data show how important it is to timely diagnose various diseases at an early stage, as well as their prevention, since if a disease is detected early, it is effectively treated. This applies to such “silent killers” as cardiovascular disease and major cancers, which take 10 years of life and are largely preventable. So it makes sense to get tested.
Free tests and analyzes for everyone, even the uninsured
The screening programs recently announced by the Ministry of Health provide a series of tests that are completely free for everyone, regardless of the insurance status of citizens. “Uninsured citizens also have free access to these programs, which involve public and private centers across the country. Their goal is to make it easier for citizens to get tested close to where they live and work, without any financial cost,” says Ms Agapidaki. She adds that in the case of remote areas where the population lives, where there are no medical facilities nearby, there is an additional plan with mobile stations so that citizens can get a diagnosis without burdening themselves with transport costs.
How long will the programs last?
“The programs have a certain duration, but they are repeated every few years, as is the practice in all civilized countries,” explains Ms. Agapidaki. “Prevention of cancer of the cervix, colon, breast, as well as cardiovascular diseases will be completed in three years. And then it will be organized again. Thus, at certain intervals and depending on the guidelines in each case, a prevention cycle is established for citizens, depending on age, gender and various other factors, ”she points out. For example, a woman who is currently 50 years old and recommended to have a mammogram every two years, we invite her this year via sms to do a digital mammogram under the “Fofi Gennimata” program, and she will be asked to repeat this again in two years , that is, a certain periodicity.
What programs work
Prevention of breast cancer (applies to 1,300,000 women aged 50-69, includes free mammography, ultrasound and medical examinations at the doctor, and women beneficiaries can see all the details on the website www.mastografia.gov.gr). “The site lists partner public and private centers that are located near the area where citizens live, who, if interested, can call to make an appointment, simply providing their AMKA without any financial outlay,” says Ms. Agapidaki.
Prevention of cervical cancer
With regard to the cervical cancer prevention program, which starts in December and covers 2,500,000 women aged 21 to 65 years. The program includes a free Pap test for women aged 21 to 29 and, if results are available, a free colposcopy and biopsy. For women aged 30-65 years, a free HPV test (HPV-dna test) is provided, and if detected, a free Pap smear, colposcopy and biopsy.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome
Speaking about the program for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, it is reported that its launch is expected in mid-February: “It concerns 5,500,000 men and women aged 30 to 70 years and includes a series of blood tests. The program will be implemented through personal doctor for citizens who have already registered. And will cover private doctors of related specialties for those citizens who did not have time to register with a personal doctor. Both tests and a visit to a doctor will be provided to citizens free of charge, without any financial costs.”
Prevention of colon cancer
Referring to the colon cancer prevention program, Ms. Agapidaki noted that its launch is expected in March 2023 and affects 3,800,000 million men and women aged 50-70 years. This includes performing a colonoscopy, although some additional screening methods are being considered.
childhood obesity program
The Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control Program is multi-layered, with actions at the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention levels, the official said, and is expected to launch during the first quarter of 2023. “We have included actions to both prevent and combat obesity naturally through the promotion of healthy eating and exercise. Children, depending on the degree of the problem they are facing, will be able to use digital services, medical services, etc., and parents will also have appropriate and free access. The program is designed to cover all children in our country, with separate programs for each age group, developmental level and health condition. In this way, we will achieve an individual approach that simultaneously solves the problem holistically.”
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