A recent review of the Greek prison system brings to light several structural and operational barriers that affect the delivery of healthcare and the promotion of health literacy in custodial settings.
Healthcare Services in Greek Prisons
Upon admission, individuals are directed to social services and the infirmary, where their personal and family medical history is recorded and they are offered initial guidance. Despite this structured intake process, significant limitations persist:
Medical screenings are often delayed
Medical records are inconsistently maintained
Medical confidentiality is not always respected
There is a chronic shortage of resident doctors, while many infirmaries remain understaffed
While medical and nursing staff are responsible for providing care, these systemic gaps hinder the timely and equitable access to health services.
Health Literacy among People Living in Prison (PLPs)
In addition to structural issues, the health literacy levels of people living in prison and prison staff remain largely undocumented in Greece — a challenge shared across many EU Member States.
However, studies conducted in England, six U.S. states, and Puerto Rico suggest that over 60% of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals experience limited to inadequate health literacy. These findings imply that similar challenges may exist in Greek prison settings.
Low health literacy can severely impact an individual’s ability to:
- Navigate the prison healthcare system
- Access appropriate medical services
- Understand treatment plans or manage chronic conditions
- Make informed decisions about their health
The consequences extend beyond the individual, influencing the health of other people living in prison and, upon release, the broader public health landscape.
These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions—like those pursued within the PARTNER project—to empower prison populations and staff through participatory, health-promoting educational tools and to support equity in health across European correctional systems.
