More than 3% of the population face barriers to getting health check-ups in 2022

Despite significant progress in healthcare, the year 2022 has brought to light a worrying reality within the European Union. Some 3.3% of EU citizens faced difficulties in getting essential medical examinations, with reasons ranging from financial constraints and long waiting lists to considerable geographical distances.

The data collected shows that the countries with the biggest problems in accessing healthcare were Greece, Finland, Romania and Latvia, with significant percentages of citizens affected. For example, in Greece, 16.7% reported difficulties and in Finland 9.6%. Romania and Latvia also recorded notable percentages, with 7.9% and 7.1% respectively, according to Eurostat. 

A worrying aspect highlighted by the statistics is the significant differences between social categories, with a twofold impact on those at risk of poverty. The percentage of 6.1% reported in this category is much higher than the 2.8% reported among those not at risk of poverty.