Introducing a robotic surgery program in the Greek National Healthcare System: Obstacles we need to overcome

Abstract

A National Healthcare Systems’ primary objective is to ensure equal access to its members. Every advancement in medicine, which has proven to be safe and efficient, must be provided to every patient regardless of their socioeconomic background or financial status. However, the systems’ nonprofit guiding principle results in inadequate financial support, which generates a vicious cycle of disproportionate access to its resources. A recent technological breakthrough in surgery, with several bestowed advantages, is the robotic surgical platform. However, its implementation in the Greek National Healthcare System, for the common good, is associated with several obstacles. The purpose of this article is to outline these obstacles and to suggest potential solutions, in order to eliminate any disparities between patients operated in public or private sector hospitals.