: Main causes of death in Greece are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), malignant neoplasms, respiratory diseases, and road traffic crashes. To assess the population health status, monitor health systems, and adjust policies, national population-based health surveys are recommended. The previous health surveys that were conducted in Greece were restricted to specific regions or high-risk groups. : This paper presents the design and methods of the Greek Health Examination Survey EMENO (National Survey of Morbidity and Risk Factors). The primary objectives are to describe morbidity (focusing on CVD, respiratory diseases, and diabetes), related risk factors, as well as health care and preventive measures utility patterns in a random sample of adults living in Greece. : The sample was selected by applying multistage stratified random sampling on 2011 Census. Trained interviewers and physicians made home visits. Standardized questionnaires were administered; physical examination, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and spirometry were performed. Blood samples were collected for lipid profile, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and transaminases measurements. The survey was conducted from May 2013 until June 2016. : In total, 6006 individuals were recruited (response rate 72%). Of these, 4827 participated in at least one physical examination, 4446 had blood tests, and 3622 spirometry, whereas 3580 provided consent for using stored samples for future research (3528 including DNA studies). Statistical analysis has started, and first results are expected to be submitted for publication by the end of 2018. : EMENO comprises a unique health data resource and a bio-resource in a Mediterranean population. Its results will provide valid estimates of morbidity and risk factors’ prevalence (overall and in specific subdomains) and health care and preventive measures usage in Greece, necessary for an evidence-based strategy planning of health policies and preventive activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the mobilization of all available health care resources, including private, for-profit ones. The aim of this multiple methods study (combination of document and secondary data analysis) was to assess government regulations facilitating the private health sector's participation in the COVID-19 response in Greece. During the pandemic, the government made three successive increases in private providers’ reimbursement fees, provided additional financial incentives to private providers, and allocated €280 million of emergency funding for the private sector's involvement in the national COVID-19 response. In response, private hospitals made available on average 2.2% of their total bed capacity per epidemic wave for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and 1.7% of their total bed capacity for the treatment of non-COVID-19 patients transferred from National Health System (NHS) hospitals. In 2020 the five largest health care corporate groups maintained their revenues, while in 2021 they increased them by 18.7%—a striking comparison with the 9% recession experienced by the Greek economy in 2020 and its 8.4% recovery in 2021. In a time of an acute public health crisis, private health care providers responded to society's pressing health care needs by insulating their facilities from COVID-19 patients and NHS patient transfers, minimizing their social contribution and safeguarding their revenues and profits.

Background: Storm Daniel, characterized as the most severe 21st century flood event in Greece, struck the Regions of Thessaly and Central Greece in early September 2023, resulting in 17 reported direct fatalities. Methods: This study evaluated all-cause excess mortality in the prefectures of Fthiotida, Karditsa/Trikala and Magnesia affected by Storm Daniel. We compared weekly deaths during the first week and the 90 days following the flood, to expected deaths based on historical trends 2015–2019. Results: During the week of the flooding event, Fthiotida, Karditsa/Trikala and Magnesia prefectures experienced mortality increases of 57% (95%CI: 19%–95%), 40% (95%CI: 13%–66%) and 39% (95%CI: 7%–70%) over expected levels, respectively. A total of 54 (95% CI: 31–77) excess deaths were recorded during the week of Storm Daniel’s landfall, with the cumulative number of excess deaths reaching to 335 (95% CI: 250–420) over subsequent 90 days. Conclusion: Conventional approaches that focus solely on immediate and direct flood fatalities underestimate the overall and actual health risks faced by flood-affected communities. Floods have complex and long-term health effects, necessitating continuous monitoring of the affected communities.