In recent years, the close relationship between the WHO/Europe and Greece has developed significantly. This strengthened relationship led to the establishment of the Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens in 2021. This initiative marks the beginning of a series of efforts aimed at improving the quality of the healthcare system and mental health in the WHO European Region, with a focus on Greece.

Currently, the Office is actively participating in a series of innovative projects in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health and healthcare providers in the country.

“One of the most important programs we are implementing, HEALTH-IQ, introduces a comprehensive framework for evaluating healthcare service quality. At the same time, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Health Quality Assurance Agency (O.D.I.P.Y.), and the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support of the European Commission, we created the first National Strategy for Quality Care and Patient Safety (2025-2030),” said Dr. João Breda, head of the WHO Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, Special Envoy of the WHO Regional Director for Europe, and head of the WHO Office in Greece.

“Mental health remains a priority, with Greece leading efforts to improve the quality of mental health services. This commitment is reflected in the WHO European Program for Quality of Care in Children and Adolescent Mental Health,” he added.

What the first data show about the health of Greeks

Data collection for the HEALTH-IQ project will begin in the summer of 2025 through a new platform being developed.

“However, according to data that had previously been submitted to our Office for the creation of the demo version of the platform, it was found that the prevalence of chronic conditions, such as hypertension and type II diabetes, remains particularly high. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the prevention of these conditions,” emphasized Dr. João Breda.

He pointed out that Greece faces significant health challenges, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, which are largely influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, and the environment.

He estimates that “preventive measures should focus on promoting the Mediterranean diet, strengthening anti-smoking legislation, encouraging physical activity, and expanding vaccination programs. Improving access to healthcare, promoting initiatives for early diagnosis, and public awareness campaigns will be crucial for effectively addressing these health risks.”

New National Strategy for Quality Care and Patient Safety

The head of the WHO Office in Athens emphasized to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) that the National Strategy for Quality Care and Patient Safety (2025-2030) “represents a decisive step toward the transformation of healthcare in Greece. It aims to strengthen trust, improve patient safety, and ensure high-quality care for all.”

The Strategy is based on three fundamental pillars:

• First, leadership and governance: strengthening regulations and governance models to make healthcare more effective, accountable, and evidence-based.
• Second, data and innovation: ensuring the adherence to standardized clinical protocols by healthcare providers, enhancing patient safety measures, and integrating digital solutions for a more flexible healthcare system.
• Third, literacy and engagement: empowering patients with the necessary tools and knowledge to actively participate in their care through enhanced health literacy programs and greater involvement in decision-making processes.

With 11 objectives and 47 prioritized actions, the Strategy follows a step-by-step implementation plan, ensuring that changes are made in a structured and sustainable way. The Strategy is fully aligned with the EU and WHO recommendations, focusing on evidence-based decision-making, patient-centered care, and continuous innovation.

The goal is simple: to create a safer, more effective, and high-quality healthcare system that meets the needs of every citizen. This is not just policy, but real improvements in the experiences and health outcomes of citizens.”

The timeline for changes

When asked by ANA-MPA when the changes being promoted will “reach” the citizen, Dr. João Breda replied:

“The Strategy is being implemented gradually, meaning the changes will be carried out step by step over time. While some actions will bring immediate improvements, others will take longer to be fully implemented.

In the short term, citizens can expect enhanced measures for patient safety, with the introduction of standardized medical error and safety incident reporting systems. Digital services will be strengthened, including the introduction of electronic prescriptions and further development of electronic health records (EHR). At the same time, health literacy initiatives will be introduced to enhance active patient involvement in their healthcare.

In the medium and long term, citizens will notice significant improvements in the quality of care. New national clinical protocols will be implemented to strengthen consistency in care delivery, while healthcare professionals will receive intensive training on patient quality and safety. Additionally, regional healthcare management structures will be strengthened for better coordination.”

A stronger, fairer, and more resilient healthcare system

Dr. João Breda explains that the WHO Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens recognizes and supports the Greek government’s commitment to make care quality a central priority for strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

“Globally, despite improved access to healthcare, the provision of healthcare services with subpar quality remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Therefore, a systemic approach is required—not just individual fixes at the facility level, but comprehensive reforms that will improve healthcare quality overall,” he notes, continuing:

“One of the biggest challenges we face is the healthcare workforce crisis—we need policies that attract, support, and manage to retain healthcare professionals. At the same time, we must address rising costs, digital transformation, the aging population, and increasing health threats linked to climate change. The key is to invest in training, strengthen incentives for improving care quality, integrate digital tools, and enhance readiness for future crises.

At the end of the day, quality healthcare is not just about setting better policies but about the overall improvement of patients’ lives. The changes we are promoting will strengthen Greece’s healthcare system, making it stronger, fairer, and more resilient—and that is something every citizen deserves.”