In recent days, one of the main agenda items in European countries is the deficiencies in their healthcare systems. Many countries are facing inadequacies, especially in their emergency services or encountering other issues. Here are some examples of healthcare crises happening in European countries:
In Germany, the Parliamentary Health Commission released a report stating that the medical quality in the country's hospitals is insufficient. According to the report, if most patients could be treated in better-equipped or specialized clinics, thousands of lives could have been saved.
The commission suggests that it would have been possible to prevent around 5,000 stroke cases and deaths annually. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who acknowledged the situation, said, "Hospital reform will save tens of thousands of lives each year."
The situation in France has also been frequently highlighted in the country's media recently. According to La Provence newspaper, the emergency service departments of hospitals in the country are experiencing a major crisis.
Due to personnel shortages and overcrowding, patients coming to hospitals are being placed on beds set up in hospital gardens. Some doctors are conducting preliminary examinations in the garden to reduce the workload.
In addition to personnel shortages, the 112 emergency services are also unable to provide service in many areas due to the strikes of the employees. Out of the 100 emergency service lines, 69 are not operational due to the strikes.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA), including general practitioners, went on strike in recent days. Doctors marched to Downing Street, where the Prime Minister's Office, the Treasury, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official residence are located in London. The doctors demanded a 35% wage increase and salary adjustments from the government.
In Greece, it has been reported that the healthcare sector is insufficient during the busy tourism season. According to the news site Politico, inadequacies are occurring in healthcare centers on the tourist islands due to the shortage of healthcare staff.
Giorgos Mathiopoulos, the President of the Greek National Emergency Aid Center (EKAV), spoke to Politico about the issue and stated, "Due to significant gaps in the country, we need to completely redesign our ambulance services from scratch."
