Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-07-21

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Modernisation of IKA a chief target

[01] PM: Modernisation of IKA a chief target

Karamanlis said that significant steps forward have been made both with respect to equipment and staffing, and to upgrading the quality of services provided, but conceded that all the problems have not been solved and deficiencies and staff shortages existed, and made particular note of the long waiting lists for doctors of specific specialisations and delays in certain microbiology laboratories.

The premier said that upgrading was also necessary of the three-digit telephone line "184" for setting up medical appointments, while renewal of equipment and staffing are also needed.

"We know what the needs are and are setting the wheels in motion for filling those needs," Karamanlis said, noting that "tenders for renewal of the laboratories' equipment are already in progress".

The chief target is the modernisation of IKA, the social security fund that covers the great majority of the working people, the prime minister said, adding that a draft law was being prepared providing for the separation of the fund's healthcare services from the insurance division, aiming at ensuring greater efficiency and better quality of services.

In the context of the upgrading of the IKA services, Karamanlis continued, a new preventive medicine program will be introduced on September 1, initially in 8 IKA branches, including that of Peristeri, on a pilot basis. The program comprises full diagnostic testing and a full annual check-up for the IKA insured.

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