No money for medicines

The study was conducted in large Greek cities and especially on the population which suffers chronic health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Data collected by the National School of Public Health shows that the economic crisis has affected their behavior towards doctors and medicine. Greeks who cannot pay for their medication have cut down, not only luxury goods, but also primary necessities, such as food and heating.

Specifically, from 2011 to 2013, most households have reduced their primary health expenses by half. Some Greeks have been obliged to cut their already reduced budget even further, in order to be able to buy drugs. 8 out of 10 patients with chronic health problems have reduced their housing and transportation expenses in order to be able to buy necessary medication, while 4 out of 10 have even cut on food for the same purpose. An extreme part of the population (2 out of 10) have even cut on doctor's appointments for that reason.