Access to health services for refugees in Greece: lessons on inequalities

Over the past years, Eastern Greek islands have been entry points for (mainly Syrian) refugees coming to Europe. However, the Greek healthcare system has been inadequate, lacking equity of access. Volunteers have been providing care under hard conditions at refugee camps. Refugees face common health issues such as communicable diseases, trauma-related injuries, and mental health problems. The rapidly changing in science of epidemiology, in in receiving immigrants countries like Greece requires practical solutions, using the best available knowledge for health interventions. Greece has been failed by international aid and cross-border policies have not effectively addressed the root causes of ill-health, including poverty, conflict, and lack of access to care.