A major public health shift toward prevention rather than treatment is underway in Greece, according to officials and experts speaking on a panel at the Delphi Economic Forum focused on healthcare reform.
At the center of the discussion was the country’s national preventive health initiative, known as “Prolamvano” (“I Prevent”), which has already reached more than six million citizens. The program includes screenings for breast and cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
A senior Greek health official said that early testing has already led to the detection of around 200,000 medical cases at an early stage. She added that preventive cardiovascular screening alone is estimated to have helped avert approximately 60,000 strokes and heart attacks, stressing that prevention is “saving lives here and now,” not just in the future.
Experts described the program as the most significant preventive health initiative ever implemented in the country, highlighting its scale and early impact on public health outcomes.
A Shift in Healthcare Strategy
Participants in the discussion emphasized a broader transformation in healthcare systems, moving away from a model focused mainly on treating illness toward one that prioritizes early detection and prevention.
A university medical expert involved in the program said the initiative represents a landmark development for Greece, noting the key role of academic and medical institutions in its implementation.
Demographic Pressures on Health Systems
Other speakers pointed to longer-term structural challenges, including ageing populations and declining birth rates, warning that these trends are reshaping healthcare needs. One expert noted that societies are increasingly becoming “older on average,” with significant implications for public health planning and spending.
It was also highlighted that healthcare costs are heavily concentrated in the final years of life, placing growing pressure on national health budgets. Without preventive strategies, one speaker warned, economic output could face a significant long-term decline by mid-century due to rising health-related costs.
Prevention as a Long-Term Investment
Industry representatives welcomed government-led screening initiatives, saying they help build a stronger culture of prevention among citizens. They also argued that healthcare systems should shift from managing disease to safeguarding health more broadly.
Prevention was described as a cost-effective investment that can reduce pressure on public finances, improve access to treatment, and support long-term system sustainability through reinvestment in medical innovation.
System Reform Still Needed
Despite progress in prevention, some experts said the national healthcare system still faces structural inefficiencies compared with other countries. They called for improved long-term planning, particularly in hospital infrastructure and health system organization over the next 10 to 20 years.
