Health inequalities under decentralized governance: challenges in resource allocation and funding in Greece.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Decentralization in health systems enhances responsiveness and equity but is often accompanied by uneven implementation and resource disparities. Greece' health system has undergone successive phases of decentralization, culminating in a transformation in 2015 when regional health authorities (RHAs) assumed operational responsibility for public primary healthcare (PHC). This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of this transition, examining funding adequacy and resource allocation across RHAs.

Methods

Financial and operational analyses were performed to assess disparities among RHAs and between RHAs and hospitals. Data were drawn from publicly available sources, including financial statements, reports from the Ministry of Health, and national statisti

SUBMITTER: Karakolias S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12660272 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature