The impact of COVID-19 on European and Greek healthcare systems: an overview of public finances and healthcare challenges

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a major challenge for healthcare systems around the world. This health crisis has also had a profound impact on national economies, as governments have been forced to restrict their economic activities in terms of the production of goods and services. The impact of the 2020 pandemic crisis appears to have caused significant negative changes in the public finances and productivity of European states, particularly in Europe, similar to those of the economic downturn in the early 2010s. This study analyses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Greek healthcare system and economy compared to other European Union countries. The study collected data from official bodies and organisations such as the European Union, the Health Accounts, the Hellenic Statistical Authority and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to examine the impact of the pandemic on the different levels of the health system and the consequences of the health crisis and the economies in Greece and Europe. The results of the study show that Greece and the rest of Europe have faced significant problems and obstacles in maintaining health services for citizens and especially for chronic diseases. The main negative impacts were a high percentage of unmet medical needs due to the cancellation or delay of scheduled surgeries (elective procedures) and doctor visits for medical check-ups, the burden on citizens' mental health and the overall satisfaction of the health needs of non-ill people in the public health system. Barriers to citizens' access to health services were a major complicating factor for the socioeconomic and health indicators.

JEL classification: E60, H51, I18

Keywords: Healthcare, public finance, COVID-19, health inequalities, public health, unmet needs