Scandal: Greece local health units expand care for vulnerable. A quiet revolution is unfolding as Greece rolls out 127 Local Health Units, or TOMY, backed by €202.5 million from the European Social Fund+. In Giannouli, near Larissa, TOMY is reshaping access to care by providing primary care, timely referrals, and mental-health support, easing pressure on hospitals. Patients like Vasiliki Moustaka, who lives with severe hypoglycemic episodes, rely on the unit for both medical and emotional support, guided by clinicians including Dr. Zoi Papanikolaou. Experts say this model could be essential for fair, universal healthcare across the EU, bridging long-standing gaps in access.
Across the country, TOMY units are designed as a community-first network, connecting residents with family doctors, nurses, and specialists on site or via referrals. By offering primary care, referrals, and mental-health services, TOMY can reduce hospital admissions and ensure continuous care for vulnerable groups, including people with chronic conditions. The Giannouli example underscores how such units anchor patient trust and chronic condition management in everyday life.
The scheme covers 127 units nationwide, funded with €202.5 million from the European Social Fund+. The aim, as described by authorities, is to narrow health inequalities and make universal coverage more concrete for those at risk of being left behind. This local model mirrors EU-wide ambitions to strengthen primary care as the backbone of health systems and to align member states toward more equitable access.
Beyond access, Europe confronts ongoing public-health risks, notably alcohol consumption. OECD Health at a Glance 2025 reports an average of 8.5 litres of pure alcohol per capita across OECD countries in 2023; Greece registers 6.6 litres, the lowest among several EU states, while Romania, Portugal, and Latvia exceed 11.5 litres. Monthly binge drinking remains high in Greece, Ireland, and Sweden (over 40%). Belgium is among those tightening controls with an Alcohol Action Plan (2023–2025) to curb availability and marketing. These patterns show that expanding access must pair with prevention to translate into real health gains.
Public health policy must weave mental health, stress management, and risk-behavior prevention into access initiatives. A separate study on fame and longevity—drawing on data from 648 singers—found that high public exposure can shorten life expectancy by about 4.6 years, illustrating how psychosocial factors undermine health even when care is accessible. Integrating care with robust prevention, mental-health support, and targeted interventions could help ensure Europe’s expanded access yields lasting benefits for diverse populations. As Greece pilots TOMY nationwide, the continent watches whether these combined approaches can bend the health curve toward greater equity and resilience.