According to data presented by the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine at a medical conference held in Crete this week, over two-thirds of death certificates issued in Greece contain errors, especially concerning cause of death.

Figures reveal that 64% of death certificates contain errors, primarily relating to the “mistaken use of forensics procedures (…) and the incorrect order of recording multiple causes.”

Stressing the importance of accuracy in mortality statistics, which serve as the oldest and most comprehensive basis for calculating and monitoring public health, determining policy and setting targets, the Society called for the improvement of doctors’ training in this particular area of forensic medicine.

Source: ANA