[...] This study attempts to explore the relationship between public and private sectors in the healthcare sector in Greece and to explain the tendency towards private consumption, which is particularly high in our country.

The approach to the role of the private healthcare sector in Greece is attempted through an analysis of both supply (private expenses, market size, sectors of activity in the private healthcare sector, material and human resources, etc.) and demand, in an attempt to interpret the phenomenon of resorting to out-of-pocket payments for the consumption of a good that is provided free of charge within the framework of the National Health System. This approach concerns both total and individual healthcare expenses of households, which are categorized according to the geographical area of ​​residence (category and specific region), income, size and composition, professional position and occupation of the head of the household.

This study is part of the search that emphasizes the strong organizational and financial weaknesses of the National Health System, which have led to the formation of a particularly negative image of the quality of public services, resulting in a significant portion of the demand resorting to the private sector.

The material of the study is divided into seven chapters, which are classified into two thematic units. [...]

(from the author's introduction)