Operational Plan of the Ministry of Health
Speaking about the Ministry of Health’s operational plan, the minister stressed that actions are being developed at local, regional, national level and need to be further strengthened at international level, as we are now talking about global health (Global Health) -“A crisis that exists right now, even if it occurs in a distant country, can be moved to our country within a few hours or days and cause a very big problem, such as the outbreak of a pandemic.” Mrs Agapidakis emphasized the need for actions at European and international level.
‘Through the Recovery fundwe have enhanced the new epidemiological surveillance system with new tools, new methods and integrated processes. This system monitors not only the outbreaks, but also the environment -related factors, such as soil, water and air, “the minister said, explaining that all of this can be converted into sources of danger. “This is the crucial point we need to face in order to protect human health and ensure viability,” he added.
According to Mrs Agapidakis, the pandemic has been a bell about how quickly the new epidemiological surveillance system can operate, which has many tools. “There is an integrated trace and treatment system that allows us to limit epidemics.”
The minister referred to the upgrading of public health laboratories so that they could meet the needs. ‘The outbreaks, such as biological samples, are sent to the EYE for verification. This is crucial, because many laboratories, who do not have the expertise or capabilities of public health laboratories, can give false positive or false negative results, ”he said.
Investments in EDYY
“OR Daniel flood It was a bell. EDY has hired and trained field epidemiologists, a new specialty in our country. The President of EDYY, Mr. Hadjichristodoulou, has done an excellent job in this area and is worth recognizing it, ”the minister said, describing him describing him. EYE Pillar of the country on public health issues, the basis for crisis management.
The health system now has data for both contagious diseases and vaccines and non -contagious diseases. “All this, using different technologies, are incorporated into the epidemiological surveillance system, especially for contagious diseases, which must have an immediate response,” he explained. With the new Epidemic Intelligence tools, he said, “we can in a timely identification that can develop into a bigger problem, such as an epidemic.
The Minister also referred to the funding provided by the EYE In May 2024, in the framework of the European Collaborative Surveillance Network program, which is very important “since it allows us to develop systems, processes and networks at both national and internationally”.
Regarding the microbial strength, the minister spoke of an ongoing European program and, at the same time, his participation EYE in the program Me-wishwhich utilizes epidemiological surveillance of sewage.
Artificial intelligence in the battle for public health
Artificial intelligence tools are developed by the Ministry of Health. “We are already working on a new system that can automatically detect cases. For example, if a severe contagious disease is detected, such as a case of a MPox in a flight, the system will be able to immediately activate the trace process of all passengers. You understand what this means at the level of public health, prevention and control, “Ms. Agapidakis said.
The new tool will allow better supervision and control at domestic level as well as for support of other countries.
Upgrading of entomological surveillance
Returning to actions locally, the minister emphasized the importance of utilizing the available tools and strategies. “For example, we have upgraded the network of entomological surveillance, in collaboration with the Benakeio Phytopathological Institute, the Agricultural University and the University of Thessaly. This allows us to identify early cases, such as those transmitted by mosquitoes, and to intervene immediately. ” This is the progress we have made locally, so that we can intervene in time and effectively, both national and internationally.
Screening and mobile health groups
The results of the screening programs (cancer, cardiovascular) were reported by Mrs Agapidakis, inviting citizens to exploit the services of the ‘Prevent’ program. The Minister referred to the implementation of two basic services:
“The first is the preventive control program, which enables citizens to control their health in time for a better outcome, especially for cardiovascular disease. It is important to urge citizens to use free preventive exams to determine in time if they have hypertension or cardiovascular problems. This is of great importance, especially in times of high or low temperatures, where risk factors must be controlled.
»The second service concerns mobile health groups, which now operate throughout the country. We change the health model, bringing health services to citizens, especially to those who cannot move, such as elderly or people with disabilities, who often do not have access to health services. In cooperation with the Minister [Αναπληρωτή Υπουργό Ανάπτυξης και Επενδύσεων] Mr. Papathanassis and others, we implement the extra preventive exam program, with differentiated protocols for children, adults and vulnerable groups in remote areas, such as small islands and mountainous areas.
“So far, 363,500 people have been referred to further control over these programs, and of them, over 65,000 – a city like Ioannina – have been found with findings.”
Take advantage of the program prevent
The minister called on citizens to use the above health services. “It is crucial not to let this opportunity be lost, for the first time offered in our country. “Specifically, for cardiovascular disease, 420,000 people have done the relevant exams, and of them, 3,000 have been diagnosed with high cardiovascular risk and have been referred to further control. After Easter and before summer, it is good to come to do the exams, ”he concluded.