Public Policy and Health. The case of the General University Hospital of ''ATTIKON''. Current situation and perspectives

Abstract

This paper examines how public health policy is translated into hospital-level practice through an in
depth case study of the University General Hospital “ATTIKON” in Greece. The study aims to explore
how national policy frameworks affect hospital performance, governance, and service delivery in a large
tertiary and academic institution. Using a qualitative–descriptive case study design, data were drawn
from administrative and financial reports (2023–2024), official hospital documents, and relevant Greek
and international literature. The analysis focuses on operational performance, specialization, financial
management, and human resources. The findings indicate that “ATTIKON” has significantly expanded
its clinical output and specialized services, strengthening its role as a national referral center. However,
chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and high-cost specialized care generate structural pressures that
limit long-term sustainability. The paper contributes to the literature by illustrating how public policy
constraints shape hospital governance in crisis-affected health systems and by identifying critical policy
levers for strengthening resilience, efficiency, and quality of care in university hospitals.
Keywords: Public policy, healthcare management, hospital performance, Greece, health system reform
JEL Classification Codes: I18 (Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health), H51 (Government
Expenditures and Health), I15 (Health and Economic Development)