34 Posts in Health

He said that it is a programme with very important results, "as more than 300 thousand women have made use of this service, the free MRI mammography that we provide to women, and we have already identified more than 15 thousand cases of breast cancer, at an early stage, therefore with a very good diagnosis in terms of their treatment." Women who are dealing with breast cancer intervened in the discussion and testified about their experiences, while Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki also made a statement. It should be noted that the "Fofi Gennimata" programme is currently addressed to 1.3 million women aged 50-69 and provides a free digital mammogram, a free examination by a specialist and a free ultrasound. The Committee of Public Health Experts (PHC) examined the revision of the age limits in accordance with the new European guidelines and in the near future an sms will also be sent to the new beneficiaries, in the 45 to 74-year-old group.

Signing on behalf of Greece in the Spanish city was Deputy Social Cohesion and Family Minister Maria-Alexandra Kefala. The event took place in the framework of Spain's presidency of the Council of the European Union, and it was signed by 14 EU member States. Greece's commitment in terms of the declaration "relates in essence to safeguarding the irrevocable right to health of women and girls (...), so that they maybe able to take themselves properly informed and responsible decisions for their life and their body," Kefala said. Neglecting the right to reproductive and sexual health "comprises an undermining of equality and the opportunity of an equal access to health, which is a fundamental human right," she added. The declaration calls on all EU member states to provide universal access to scientifically sound facts and traing on sexual education; access to comprehensive, quality, and affordable services, especially to teenagers; and access for all people of reproductive age to fertility therapies, without discrimination.

The Hellenic Cardiology Society has launched a campaign to increase the number of people who know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “We believe that with the widespread and immediate implementation of CPR, including the use of portable defibrillators, the survival rate could at least double,” the society’s president, George Kochiadakis, told Kathimerini ahead of World Heart Day on Friday, stressing the importance of a swift response in preventing sudden cardiac death.       In order to increase this rate, the society has organized CPR tutorials at schools, malls, metro stations and other places where large numbers of people can be taught how to help.    World Heart Federation: "Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer. Combined, conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels – such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure – kill more than 20.5 million every year. The majority of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries. We want to bring this number down – way down. And there’s hope: 80% of premature deaths from CVD are preventable. By making small changes to our lifestyle – what we eat and drink, how much we exercise, and how we manage stress – we can better manage our heart health and beat CVD. Spanning six continents, our hundreds of World Heart Federation (WHF) member organizations, the countless schools, universities, sports clubs and the vibrant cardiology community make World Heart Day (WHD) a truly global celebration. Every year these groups and individuals bring their local flair, favor and colors to festivities, marking the day by sharing heart healthy regional specialties, leading a dance to get the whole community moving, and sharing life-saving lessons far and wide." Celebrate World Heart Day 2023 Access resources, create your own poster, take part in the World Heart Day Challenge, submit a landmark photo. There are many ways you can celebrate. https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/get-involved/    

The European Court of Auditors warned of an “accountability gap in protecting the European Union’s financial interests” as the 27 member States use 724 billion Euros ($763 billion) to reinvigorate their economies, which took the biggest hit since World War II during the coronavirus crisis. “With such large amounts at stake, it’s imperative that EU taxpayers’ money is adequately protected,” ECA President Tony Murphy said. Member states have to set up strict plans on how to use the funds and target future-oriented sectors promoting the green and digital transition of their economies, amongst others. The ECA however laid bare how such targets and milestones of the program should be better checked by the EU’s executive Commission, especially once they are rolled out. So far about 20% of the grants and loan program have been paid out. Sometimes, it said, the Commission has no way of fully checking whether the information from the member states on how they spend the money is accurate and does not allow for abuse. “There is a gap in terms of the assurance the Commission can provide for the EU’s main pandemic recovery fund and a lack of accountability at EU level,” Murphy said. “This represents a serious risk to EU financial interests.” “Citizens will only trust new ways of EU funding if they can be sure that their money is being spent properly,” he added. And it is not only citizens – often the trust of member states on how others spend joint funds only goes that far too. The massive fund to confront the EU’s biggest recession in its history is partly based on common borrowing and is to be used as loans and grants primarily by the countries hit hardest by the crisis. EU member states taking up loans together, sharing debt and spending it in a spirit of solidarity was long unthinkable within the EU. That is an another reason why the ECA wants to counter any inappropriate spending, since, it said in a statement, it “is widespread in other EU spending programs.” The auditors acknowledged that EU authorities acted fast in setting up such a vast system at short notice, especially considering the need to turn the economic fortunes of many member states around. All too often, the bloc has been accused of being far too slow to react to pressing events and getting lost in intricate rule-making while a crisis was raging at the same time. This time, even if acting “in a relatively short period of time,” as the auditors noted, the Commission is left wanting to be able to verify whether everything will be well spent and has to rely too much on national checks. “The Commission has little verified information through its own work as to whether and how these national checks are carried out. Without assurance that these rules are complied with, there is a lack of accountability at EU level,” the ECA report said. The Covid-19 program runs through 2026 and any remarks in the report can still be taken on board to improve assessment. [AP]

The new Government's Gazette does not include the mandatory use of face masks in the mass means of transport as it was announced on March 14 by the Health Ministry at the experts committee recommendation. This means that from today the mandatory use of face mask is abolished in the mass means of transport but the measure will continue to be in effect in health structures and closed social care structures. Particularly in hospitals, clinics, and rehab and medical centres the measure will continue to be applied. 

Minister Thanos Plevris said he proposed the lifting of measures at the ministry's coronavirus experts committee that convened earlier in the day, and the committee agreed. The formal end of the coronavirus measures for the general public will be announced shortly. More specifically, Mr. Plevris , regarding yesterday's meeting of the Committee of Experts, stated: "At today's meeting of the Committee of Experts, the Ministry of Health proposed the lifting of the measures in force against Covid-19 with the exception of public and private health structures and Elderly Care Units. The proposal was accepted by the Commission and the lifting of the measures is expected. However, there remains the need to protect vulnerable groups against Covid-19 and for this reason it is recommended to observe personal protection measures, up-to-date vaccination and receive antiviral treatment for those who are ill." The Covid-19 virus appeared in Greece in February 2020, and measures that were introduced in Greece shortly after were updated on a periodic base thereafter.

Consumers are advised not to use the product if it comes into their possession and should immediately inform EOF. “We point out that the purchase of EOF products from unreliable sources, such as the internet, can endanger the health of the consumer,” the announcement stressed. The entire EOF announcement on the heroin-containing supplement: "The EOF warns that the product KSM-66 Ashwagandha of the Medicine Garden company, which is sold in Europe (therefore it is possible to trade it in Greece as well) and via the Internet, as a food supplement, contains an opioid narcotic substance and specifically heroin of an unknown concentration. The attention of consumers is drawn, so that in case the products come into their possession, they should not use them and inform the EOF immediately. The attention of consumers is drawn, so that in case the products come into their possession, they should not use them and inform the EOF immediately. We point out that the purchase of EOF products from unreliable sources, such as the internet, can endanger the health of the consumer. The above notification is made after informing the competent Danish authorities through the Early Warning System for Food and Feed (RASFF)."

The ship, M/V Neptune Okeanis, will transport four trucks filled with basic necessities such as blankets, bedding, heaters, personal hygiene items and medicines which were requested, as a priority, by the Turkish authorities. The aid was collected by municipalities, regions and agencies around  the country. “Greece continues to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people who are being tested by the devastating earthquakes and responds to the request of the Turkish authorities for the provision of humanitarian aid,” the ministry said in a statement.

Hellenic Health Minister Thanos Plevris said that although Greece had enough supplies for now, the production of generic drugs in Greek factories would be increased and controls at pharmacy stores and big drug warehouses would take place to check if they have the reserves required under Greek law. “There is a shortage in certain branded drugs containing paracetamol, antibiotics and respiratory devices … particularly for children,” Plevris said during a news conference, adding that so far the issue is being addressed with generic drugs. The minister added that he has sent a letter to the European Union health commissioner requesting better coordination and a wider intervention to tackle the issue.

On Wednesday, the EU's Integrated Political Crisis Response group (IPCR) recommended that member states introduce restrictions. Its decisions are usually published within days but Friday is a public holiday in Greece. "Greece will require a COVID test for people that are travelling from China," one official told Reuters on condition of anonymity after a cabinet meeting. A health ministry official confirmed the decision. Passengers boarding in transit flights from China will be strongly recommended to wear a face mask, he said.

Member States agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in light of the developments of COVID-19 in China, in particular taking into account the need for sufficient, reliable data and the relaxation of travel restrictions by China from 8 January 2023, the statement said. Swedish Presidency. Member States agree: * recommend that all passengers on flights to and from China wear a medical mask (FFP2/N95/KN95). *provide advice to inbound and outbound international travelers originating in or destined for China, as well as aircraft and airport personnel, on personal hygiene and health measures. *are strongly encouraged to introduce, for all passengers departing from China to member states, a requirement of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure from China. Member States are also encouraged to supplement these measures with: *random checks of passengers arriving from China on arrival in Member States, as appropriate, and sequencing of all positive results to strengthen surveillance of the epidemiological situation. *control of sewage from airports with international flights and aircraft arriving from China *continue to promote shared vaccine distribution and vaccination, including booster doses, particularly among vulnerable groups. The IPCR, with the support of ECDC and the European External Action Service, and taking into account the WHO assessment, will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation in the EU and developments in China, including the level of data shared, with a view to ensuring of EU coordination any measures deemed necessary. Member States agree to assess the situation and review the measures by mid-January 2023.

According to media reports, the Cypriot commissioner said in the letter that the European Commission is closely monitoring developments in China ahead of the new Chinese travel regulations that come into force in early January. She noted that the issue should be jointly assessed by member-states and stressed the need for good preparation to shield EU citizens.