The “Prolavano” program is not a one-off initiative, assured the Deputy Minister of Health Eirini Agapidakis.
As she stated in remarks to SKAI, this program constitutes a permanent mechanism for preventive screenings. Relevant informational text messages should be sent to citizens on an annual basis regarding the diseases included in the prevention programs.
“These programs are not a one-time initiative, but a consistent public health policy. ‘Prolavano’ is here to stay,” he emphasized. He stressed that text messages will continue to be sent to citizens every year regarding the diseases covered by the program. He added that the “Prolambano” represents a major change in public health, as it enables millions of citizens to undergo free preventive screenings for serious diseases.
“For the first time, Greece is establishing an organized prevention system. Based on European principles, we have one of the most comprehensive prevention systems in Europe,” noted Ms. Agapidakis.
Ministry of Health, not a Ministry of Disease
She added that “this is the first time the country has managed to have a Ministry of Health rather than a Ministry of Disease. For the first time, we are detecting diseases in citizens early on, even in people who are unaware that they are ill and have not shown any symptoms.”
The free preventive screenings cover breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney function. Eligible individuals include both insured and uninsured citizens.
To date, more than 6 million citizens have undergone the free screenings, while many cases of serious illnesses have been detected that the citizens themselves were unaware they had, Ms. Agapidakis emphasized.
“We have identified people with cancer and serious cardiovascular problems who required immediate treatment. If they hadn’t undergone the preventive screening, they would have arrived atthe National Health System with a much more serious condition. We are striving to foster a culture of prevention that will help us live better and longer lives. Because it is important for all of us to live longer and better lives.
It is telling that, to date, approximately 60,000 people in our country would be at risk of a heart attack if we did not have the “Prolavano” program.”.
Regarding prevention and the mental health of children and adolescents, she emphasized that “it is important for parents to know that there are free counseling and psychotherapy services available nationwide for children, adolescents, and families.” He also noted that “special attention should be paid to adolescents during the summer months, as the change in daily routine and the break from the school environment can affect their mental health.”
According to data cited by Ms. Agapidakis, more than 50,000 people have been examined by the Mobile Health Teams. “The Mobile Health Teams are fully staffed vehicles that travel to rural areas. They are medical teams” that provide free examinations—such as electrocardiograms, ultrasounds, and spirometry tests—to both insured and uninsured individuals.
“We have 180 teams across the country with over 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. We bring the doctor right to the citizen’s doorstep. With a single call to 1135, seniors, people with disabilities, and citizens who are unable to travel can request assistance, and we will come to their homes,” he emphasized.
