Panhellenic Medical Association

The Panhellenic Medical Association has proposed to the Health Ministry a series of measures to combat the growing problem of violence against health personnel in Greek hospitals over the past five years. 

Political tensions are expected to escalate this week, both between political parties and within them.

Tensions and mobilizations against a controversial bill proposed by the Health Ministry to reform mental health services are anticipated to peak as the bill is voted on this week.

The tension between the health minister and the Panhellenic Medical Association is an acute symptom of a chronic ailment - the lack of organization in the public health system and the absence of necessary coordination with the private sector. And so, the National Health System (ESY) finds itself without the necessary medical personnel, without having a way to call on private doctors for help.

The issue of participation by private doctorsin on-call duty at NHS hospitals has been resolved in all regions except Kos, the health minister said on Friday morning, Adonis Georgiadis, who, given the solution to the problem, pledged not to issue the on electronic prescribing for private doctors who will not back down.

The Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS) announced on Thursday that doctors will boycott the electronic prescription system from Friday through Monday, with exceptions made only for medical emergencies and disabled individuals.

In a desperate bid to tackle shortages, the Health Ministry has warned private doctors to support the operation of hospitals of the National Health System (ESY) that have gaps in critical specialties, or face "drastic measures" if there is no willingness to cooperate.

Six out of 10 citizens are dissatisfied with state of public health services, according to a survey conducted in March on behalf of the Panhellenic Medical Association by GPO, on a sample of 1,108 people over the age of 17 in all regions of Greece.

The Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS) has expressed its disagreement with the Health Ministry's stated intention to allow the administration of Covid-19 vaccinations by pharmacies. 

In a letter to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, the association cited both the safety and economic reasons.

The Panhellenic Medical Association called on people over the age of 60 and healthcare workers to get vaccinated against the flu and Covid-19, noting that from the middle of December to March authorities report the highest number of respiratory infections. 

A recent survey conducted by the Panhellenic Medical Association reveals deep dissatisfaction among doctors working in Greece's National Healthcare System (ESY).