Mitsotakis Pushes for Nationwide Coverage Under Personal Doctor Reform

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged for the expansion of the personal doctor initiative to encompass the entire Greek population, as he addressed Parliament on Tuesday during the debate on the draft law "Reforming the Institution of the Personal Doctor - Establishment of University Health Centres and Other Provisions of Ministry of Health."

“The Parliament may appear slightly different today, following recent changes in the main opposition party, but the draft law we are discussing represents a steady course toward upgrading public health,” Mitsotakis stated. He outlined the law's core objectives: bolstering preventive care, strengthening primary healthcare services, and renovating 93 hospitals and 156 health centres nationwide.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Mitsotakis described it as an ambitious and unprecedented reform in the history of Greece’s national health system, acknowledging the time and perseverance required for its implementation.

At the heart of the plan is the personal doctor system, which Mitsotakis said has long been overdue. “The personal doctor is a key point of reference in healthcare, offering quality and free health monitoring throughout life,” he said. The initiative will also support the creation and management of digital patient records for all citizens, streamlining healthcare services.

Mitsotakis emphasised the government's focus on preventive healthcare, describing it as a pivotal reform that has already yielded results. “For the first time, we are implementing an organized prevention and public health program,” he added.

In addition to the personal doctor initiative, the Prime Minister announced the launch of 37,000 free surgeries starting November 28, funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. He also highlighted the construction of three state-of-the-art hospitals in Thessaloniki, Komotini, and Sparta, along with plans to modernise existing hospital facilities.

He underscored the importance of healthcare workers, citing the hiring of 30,000 doctors, nurses, and administrative staff over the past five years. By 2027, an additional 10,000 personnel are expected to join the system, including 2,000 for primary care.

“This is a reform that transforms public health for the better and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring a healthier future for all Greeks,” Mitsotakis concluded.

Read more: Greek National Health System

(Source: Amna)