Watch EuroHealthNet in Euronews video on community-level care in Greece
Health inequalities are too often exacerbated by unequal access to healthcare. Poverty, social exclusion and discrimination all influence a person’s access to healthcare, and living in poor health can lead to worsening socioeconomic inequalities, creating a cycle of struggle.
In Greece, a community-based initiative is offering primary care, referrals and mental-health assistance through a local unit that can reach vulnerable people directly while reducing pressure on hospitals.
Euronews spoke with people both behind and benefiting from the project. They also interviewed EuroHealthNet Director, Caroline Costongs, who advocated for health inequalities to be a primary concern for the EU.
“Health insurance and coverage of healthcare expenditures is as important as, for example, unemployment benefits. So it’s really very important for our social model to make sure that access to health services is covered adequately for vulnerable people.”
Caroline Costongs
Director, EurohealthNet
To learn more about improving healthcare access in your country or region, check out the our European Pillar of Social Rights Flashcard on healthcare.
Watch the video now:
