Greek reflections on global neurosurgery

Abstract

IntroductionLarge populations in middle- and low-income countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South Americas face a dramatic neurosurgical crisis. However, large social groups in high-income countries face similar limited access to neurosurgical services. Proper identification of such a problem, analysis of the underlying causes, and proposal of potential solutions may not only address the problem at a national level, but may also provide valuable reflections on the efficient management of global neurosurgical crisis. Research questionTo evaluate if special social groups face similar problems in Greece. Material and methodsThe structure of the Greek health system was examined. The national census along with the registry of practicing neurosurgeons of the Greek National Society, as well as the national health map were searched. ResultsA series of socio-economic factors, language barriers, cultural and religion differences, geographical barriers, the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, along with the inherent malfunctioning of the Greek health system have led to this national neurosurgical crisis. Discussion and conclusionAn extensive redrawing of the Greek health map, reorganization of the national health system, along with adaptation of all recent advances in telemedicine may alleviate the health burden in these populations. The results of this local reformation may be applied to a global level for managing the ongoing health crisis. Moreover, the development of a European taskforce by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) may well facilitate the development of realistic and efficacious global solutions, and contribute to the global effort for providing high-quality neurosurgical services worldwide.