The effect of covid-19 disease on the health and health services in six European countries

Abstract

The consequences of Covid-19 disease were examined, and specifically the ways in which it has affected health indicators and health services in six European countries, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain. A search was made in the national databases, Εurostat, EuroMOMO, ECDC and Our World in Data, and some of the most important health indicators were extracted, including morbidity, mortality and fatality, and also the intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and occupancy. Study of these health indicators showed that Greece, in contrast to the other five countries was not significantly negatively affected during the first wave of the pandemic, probably due to the early introduction of lockdown and other preventive measures. Concerning the availability of ICU beds, Greece and Germany faced no problems during the first wave, while the health systems of Italy, Spain, Belgium and France could not cope with the increased needs for ICU beds. All six countries, however, have been dramatically affected, and their ICU capacity has been stretched during the second wave of the pandemic. In conclusion, the health services of all countries need to be strengthened and adequately prepared to face, not only new possible waves of this pandemic, but also other future threats. © 2021, BETA Medical Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.