Greek hospitals?

Question

Actually I just need to make a point here. I am so fuming. I asked a question here before about giving birth in Greek hospitals and I got one or two questions that made me so angry. Basically they were telling me to go back home were so unbelieveably rude.
I asked about drugs and delivery in Greek hospitals, what the policies were. If by practice they gave drugs if there were no complications, if for example that they preferred to deliver without drugs or something.
To set the record straight I love my new country. I think the hospital system is the best I have ever experienced. Better than England, and better than my home country of Australia. My doctor is an absolute gentleman and I feel so safe and comfortable with him. I dont think Greece is a third world country and I never did. I love my new home in every aspect and respect its culture. AND I speak Greek and have Greek friends if you want to yell at me for that too.
Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.

bravo chrys! My sentiments exactly!

Answer 1

Hi, I didn't read your previous question, thank you for your kind words about Greece, I just wanted to note the following:
1. Greece is definitely not a 3rd world country, and we have great doctors. It is definitely not a problem to give birth here.
2. However, public hospitals are not so efficient in terms of time efficiency and comfort. The doctors are good, I repeat, but you need to have your doctor who watches you, otherwise you may have to wait endless hours in corridors, if you just show up.
3. There are some very good private hospitals, especially for child birth. They are quite expensive though. It all depends on your doctor. If your doctor, whom you trust, works in a specific hospital, go there.

Answer 2

Hi wherever you may be,
Im South African and have been living in this beautiful country for the past 17year with my greek husband.Our 1st son was born in SA and our 2nd son was born in Greece.I gave birth in a private hospital and it was excellent.Had a wonderful doctor who was so helpful, before giving birth (about 2month before) he took me on a tour of the hospital and explained what would happen where.I have noticed lately that the doctors prefer to do "C"section deliveries only because they can make a quick buck easily.There are also some good government hospitals but rather speak to your doctor who will advise. About drugs during delivery your doctor(who you say is a gentleman and you feel safe with him)wil be able to answer all you questions.
goodluck with what ever decision you make.

Answer 3

Hello dear!
Well, you are correct, you know Greece very well!
I wish you a wonderful, safe delivery and a child full of strength, health, and luck (which already has, your child and in Greece!)
I was reading the speech of the American Counselor in Athens, some 100 years ago and he was appraising the high standards of the Greek hospitals, Now, 100 years later, I am sure you can find prompt ones and enjoy the whole process!
Also, we can work so that Greece will be the hospital of all Europeans for certain issues, if the Greek government allows it!

Answer 4

Everyone would like to say that Greece is not a 3rd world country, unfortunately though if you look at the statistics for ppl in Greece they dont differ much from those for a 3rd world country.

Its very good for you that you know Greek, bravo for your effort. Though, Greece is about passion and friendship among its residents and IMHO it means emotions mixed with problems that make ppl come together.

You can realize that taking a look on poor ppl struggling to make their living having 1-2 children at most, students that dont get scholarships because the state refuses to give, parents that have to pay for extra after school a.s.o. and Im afraid that if you are a middle class working woman like most are youll experience these problems as a mother.

What Greece lacks is social care, and that is reflected on every other sector of social life, including hospitals.

I wish you good luck and all the best for you and your family.

Answer 5

I hope that my answer was not one of the ones to offend you. I am Greek-born in Greece and have seen many problems with the health system. This is not to say that everyone will have a bad experience and that all hospitals are bad. Should you choose to pay for private hospitals and private doctors you will receive some of the best care. Unfortunately, those that are left to IKA must sometimes wait in corridors for hours or suffer even worse fates. My father-in-law is currently in end-stage cancer and will not live for much longer. Even though we have had test after test done on him for over 10 years somehow it was never picked up that he had cancer. I guess the large mass growing out of his neck was not alarming enough for the local hospital.

Also, the news is full of reports of hospitals without staff, trimera when you can't find doctors, mice in the food that is being served the patients....it goes on and on. Did I mention the amount of envelopes full of money we had to provide to have surgery done on my father in law in order to have his surgery scheduled within a month's time? They were scheduling the man to live with a mass hanging out of his neck for 4 months! Once we gave the doctor an envelope his schedule freed up somehow.

Again, don't misunderstand - I love Greece and will defend my country to the death but there are problems with the public healthcare system that must be addressed.

Good luck

Answer 6

Going by friends foreign and Greek who have given birth in Greek hospitals, is private is best,better treatment,more drugs and cleaner, the national hospital can be good but for births i have found there is limited access to basic pain relief and back to old fashioned push it out for hours.

Your Doctor will be able to tell you what hospital you will give birth in,ask him as most work in at least two and then ask friends which hospital they find is best.

have a great safe time

Answer 7

all i have to say to the ones that judge so harshly the greek national health system is to seriously take a good look have they any idea of the english nhs, is the biggest mess i ve ever seen and nobody can really deny that.
england has shortage on doctors, nurses, midwifes ...in order to be seen by a specialist you have to wait for ages!
in greece on the contrary you can see a specialist straight away and definatelly there is no shortage in doctors or nurses. May i also add on the reputation of greek doctors, just take a look at the american journal of medicine!
Enjoy greece is a beautifull and modern country!

Answer 8

I am of Greek nationality but living currently in North Carolina, USA. I will be the first to say that the public hospitals, at least in Samos are undeniably chaotic but the private hospitals are much nicer for a much more expensive price. Want to have a baby in a relaxed environment? Pay the dues.

Answer 9

Private hospitals in greece are very good but expensive!

state hospitals are a mess but if you know somebody (a high rank official preferably) they will treat you like a princess. if you dont have connections may God be with you (see what happened with the premature baby at Tzanneio today).

And yes doctors prefer to make c-sections to make an easy buck but also insurances are willing to cover the extra expense

Answer 10

I only had good experiences with Greek hospitals. Not only were they extremely friendly but they went out of their way. They checked everything to rule out any mistakes. I have lived in many countries in the world but I have never had such good and free service!