In a historic address to the Greek Parliament, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a transformative draft law on public health. Titled “Reforming the Institution of the Personal Doctor – Establishment of University Health Centres and Other Provisions of Ministry of Health,” the law signifies Greece’s first organised approach to preventive health and a comprehensive restructuring of the national health system. The bill, presented amid recent shifts within the opposition, is poised to overhaul primary healthcare, renovate existing facilities, and introduce a nationwide system of personal doctors.
“Today, Greece takes its first steps towards an organised programme of prevention and public health,” Mitsotakis declared. This effort marks the first comprehensive attempt in Greek history to address gaps in public health through a structured, preventive approach, targeting health risks before they escalate. According to the Prime Minister, this initiative requires “time and great perseverance” but is already producing visible benefits.
The Three Pillars of Reform: Prevention, Primary Care, and Hospital Renovations
The proposed reforms are structured around three central objectives:
- Extensive Prevention Measures: For the first time, Greece will introduce a public health programme aimed at organised prevention, focusing on widespread health monitoring and early interventions. This programme seeks to shift the national healthcare focus from reactive treatment to proactive care, reducing the long-term burden on the healthcare system.
- Primary Care System Reorganisation: At the heart of the reform is the “personal doctor” initiative. This will create a consistent point of contact for individuals’ health needs, facilitating regular check-ups and preventive care. The Prime Minister explained that Greece’s new approach places the personal doctor in a pivotal role, a practice that has been established in other European countries but has historically been absent in Greece. “The personal doctor will oversee lifelong, quality, and free health monitoring, ensuring every Greek citizen has access to ongoing health assessments,” he added. In support of this, digital patient records are to be rolled out for all citizens, allowing for streamlined, accessible, and secure health information management.
- Renovation of Health Infrastructure: The government plans to modernise 93 hospitals and 156 health centres, transforming Greece’s healthcare facilities to provide a higher standard of care. This also includes the construction of three state-of-the-art hospitals in Thessaloniki, Komotini, and Sparta. Mitsotakis highlighted that these upgrades are vital to delivering modern healthcare services and are made possible by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, aimed at supporting infrastructure in EU member states.
37,000 Free Surgeries and Expansion of Afternoon Operations
In a groundbreaking step, Mitsotakis announced the launch of a programme that will offer 37,000 free surgeries to Greek citizens, starting November 28. Funded through the Recovery Fund, this initiative aims to address long waiting times and provide timely surgical care to thousands. Additionally, the Prime Minister spoke about plans to expand afternoon operations in public hospitals, improving access for patients who may otherwise face lengthy delays for treatment.
Focus on Human Resources: 30,000 Hires in Five Years
Underlining the importance of healthcare workers, Mitsotakis noted the recent hiring of 30,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, as a significant accomplishment over the past five years. “Our healthcare system’s most valuable resource is its personnel,” he said, emphasising the government’s ongoing commitment to staffing. Looking ahead, an additional 10,000 hires are planned by 2027, with 2,000 of these roles earmarked specifically for primary care services.
Tangible Results in Public Health Reform
The Prime Minister highlighted that Greece’s healthcare system is already seeing measurable progress. Recent data from the Ministry of Health show that with the implementation of the personal doctor initiative, patient satisfaction with primary care services has risen, and early interventions have helped reduce hospital admissions. “This is a reform that has already produced tangible results,” Mitsotakis said, adding that such steps help Greece align with international healthcare standards.
A Roadmap for Greece’s Future Healthcare System
As Mitsotakis concluded his address, he reaffirmed the government’s vision for a reformed, preventive-focused health system that places citizens’ well-being at the forefront. The Prime Minister called on Parliament to support the draft law as a landmark step towards a healthier Greece, emphasising the need for bipartisan commitment to ensure the continuity and success of these ambitious healthcare reforms.
“Healthcare is a national priority, one that transcends political lines. Together, we can ensure that every citizen has access to quality care and preventive health services that protect and enhance their lives,” he urged.
The reforms, if passed, would place Greece at the forefront of public health initiatives in Southern Europe, setting a precedent for future governments to build upon and marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to healthcare and public well-being.
Read also All Saints Grammar Taverna Night Brings Hellenic Culture to Life