MUSLIM PATIENTS: FUNDAMENTAL CULTURAL ASPECTS AND REFERENCES IN GREECE’S HEALTH LAW

The first part of the present study traces cultural components of health care issues in the case of patients who indicate Muslim in religion. It starts with a brief reference to Muslim population and the religion of Islam. Then, Islamic concepts on health and disease are presented, followed by a reference to the dress and examination code, as well as the dietary, fasting and medication rules that apply to Muslim patients. It should be noted that the above mentioned information is based on knowledge by acquaintance with the tradition of patients of different religions - especially in today's multicultural society with the global migratory flows- in order more effective health care services to be provided. In the second part, the concept of health is presented and determined as an individual right and social good. The right to health is protected by the Constitution of Greece and the Hellenic Presidential Decree (141/13) for both Greek and foreign patients, respectively, rendering such protection the foundation of human rights.