Description of activities
1. Collection of testimonies from patients experiencing difficulties accessing medical care and/or diagnostic tests and research. (Doctors of the World)
Health systems are complex and ever-changing entities. Providing a commonly accepted and fully satisfactory definition of the health system proves to be a difficult task. The possibility of free and equal access to the health care system can primarily contribute to the promotion of the population’s health level and consequently, in improving social welfare conditions. At the same time, the non-additional financial burden of citizens due to illness or poor health is considered important (WHO, 2001). Through the collection of testimonies, the basic parameters and experiences of the vulnerable population will be recorded. In addition, a special study based on a sample of about 1,000 patients from vulnerable groups receiving health services from Doctors of the World Polyclinics will be prepared. These actions will lead to the elaboration of a rational strategy proposal for civil society and collective bodies, with the aim access to the health care system for all.
Elderly, homeless, destitute patients with chronic diseases, people who suffer from mental illness, general population
2. Study of the legal framework and quality donation research on medicines’ donations- social pharmacies in Greece and abroad. (GIVMED TPP)
67.6% of Greek households face difficulties meeting their financial needs while overall access to medicine has become even more difficult for vulnerable groups. The creation and operation of Social Pharmacies in conjunction with the donation of medicines by citizens is the key solution to this problem and the aim of the action is to explore the existing relevant legal framework. Emphasis will be placed on the study of corresponding institutional frameworks in countries that follow similar practices, and the recording of good practices, in collaboration with the TPP. Afterwards, quality interviews will be conducted with stakeholders in the field of health, such as the Ministry of Health, EOF, IFET, EOPPY, PFS, PIS, PEF, SFEE, ESDY, OSFE, IDIKA with the aim of recording their opinion and proposed solutions.
Overall, the proposed study will highlight best practices and promote discussion of their integration in relevant national policies.
Stakeholders φορέων υγείας, θεσμικοί φορείς, κοινωνικοί εταίροι, κοινωνία των πολιτών
3. Proposal for rationalization of national policy based on processing of testimonies, study and research (Doctors of the World , GIVMED)
All countries are required to provide basic medicinal coverage to all patients, from a wide range of pharmaceuticals, through state-funded public institutions. About two-thirds of the pharmaceutical expenditure is financed by public funds, however the conditions for licensing their circulation are set by the competent authorities of the European Union. The collection of testimonies, the statistical analysis as well as the study of the access to the medicine with the participation of institutional bodies, will form the design framework and the elaboration of the policy proposal. Therefore, the proposal aims to create an environment that ensures that all citizens have equal access to the required medicines, to early diagnosis and medical examinations without unjustified delays. The participation of stakeholders from the health and medicine sector in the policy proposal with their possible co-signature, gives a competitive advantage to the whole project.
Institutional bodies, social partners, Civil society, general public
4. Investigative journalism – monitoring of the current system of health care and medicine (Doctors of the World, GIVMED, TPP)
Through qualitative research on health stakeholders (EOF, IFET, IDIKA, Ministry of Health), Social Pharmacies and venues that provide free medicines to vulnerable groups, and a quantitative survey (with a survey company) of doctors and pharmacists MdM in collaboration with GIVMED will proceed with the analysis of the design of national policies, reporting of results and follow up discussions with health stakeholders, as well as provision of information to health professionals, the general public, advocacy to the Ministry of Health and other institutional bodies. TPP will conduct research journalism to promote transparency and accountability and effectively contribute to dissemination of the results of the project and its distinct actions. TPP will also take over the recording existing practices from European countries and the display of optimal examples, projecting to the general public and civil society the dynamics of social advocacy that will be developed through the project.
Institutional bodies, social partners, civil society, the general public
5. Advocacy – information campaign in favor of vulnerable citizens, strengthening their voice – dissemination to the media (Doctors of the World, GIVMED, TPP)
Social accountability and advocacy actions will help support vulnerable citizens, giving depth and strength to their “voice”. The civil society organizations and in particular the project partners, through advocacy actions will be able to strengthen the social welfare profile and empower the beneficiaries while further highlighting the work they perform by utilizing and disseminating the results of the project. Specifically, the distinct actions include: a) Promotion of the proposed policy through private meetings, participation in events, questions at vouliwatch.gr, to health stakeholders, and b) Informative
internet campaign on the problem and the proposed solution. We call on citizens to support the campaign and share their own experiences in relation to whether they needed to go to a social pharmacy -for obtaining their medicines even if they did not find them-, or they wanted to donate their surplus drugs.
Wide audience, health stakeholders, institutional bodies, social partners, civil society