The private health care sector in Greece continued its downward spiral in 2015, with estimates showing a 6.5-percent drop in turnover as compared to 2014.
A recent sector study by the Athens-based ICAP Group said the downturn is primarily related to the ongoing economic recession in the country and a reduction in consumers’ incomes, a trend leading patients to turn more to public sector health care.
Additionally, the effects of a 2013 law mandating rebates – and “clawbacks” – by health care providers billing state health funds for their beneficiaries’ care also cut into profits.
According to the ICAP report, the biggest decrease in turnover was reported by out-patient diagnostic centers (8.5 percent), followed by private maternity wards (7 percent) and general clinics (6 percent).
