As part of the Erasmus+ teaching staff mobility program, Dr. Dimitris Theofanidis, Professor at the International Hellenic University (Greece), delivered a public lecture at the YSU Institute of Pharmacy on the topic "The Greek Educational and Health Care System: Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas".
During the lecture, Dr. Theofanidis presented the structure, achievements, and current challenges of the Greek healthcare system. He highlighted several notable points, noting that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Greece ranks 11th worldwide in terms of health care service quality, surpassing countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom. The professor pointed out that Greece has the highest physician density in Europe (6.9 doctors per 1,000 population), yet faces a shortage of nursing staff, creating operational challenges.
He also detailed the operations of the 112 emergency service and the national rapid response center, which provide both land and air emergency care throughout the country.
Professor Theofanidis is the author of more than 45 scientific papers published in leading international journals. His academic impact is further reflected in his h-index of 8.
The lecture focused particularly on the complex and multi-layered issues of medical ethics, which are increasingly critical in pharmaceutical and medical practice. The professor presented valuable data illustrating the direct correlation between hospital bed occupancy and patient care quality, emphasizing the role of effective management in the treatment process.
Significant attention was given to international best practices. Despite considerable economic challenges, Greece remains committed to prioritizing health care development, allocating approximately 2.8% of its GDP to the sector—a key guarantee of systemic stability at the national level.
The session was conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere. In addition to the academic presentation, it featured an engaging discussion. Experienced faculty members of the Institute of Pharmacy, as well as students, raised professional questions and shared their insights on the topics discussed.
The YSU Institute of Pharmacy continues to expand its international connections, providing faculty and students with opportunities to learn from global best practices and innovations in education.
