Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the renovated Health Center of Vari, in the Athens area, highlighting government efforts to modernize the country’s public healthcare system.
The health facility has undergone a full renovation funded through Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, while its staff has also been significantly increased. Mitsotakis toured the upgraded premises alongside Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Mayor Grigoris Konstantellos.
During his visit, the prime minister was briefed by the center’s director Maria Kravvaritou and spoke with healthcare workers and citizens. The Vari Health Center is among 156 health centers across Greece currently being upgraded, alongside more than 90 public hospitals, as part of a wider plan to improve primary healthcare services.
The renovated 1,200-square-meter facility now includes an emergency department, imaging services, ultrasound services, laboratories and specialized clinics. Its workforce has increased by 23% compared with 2019, with nearly 50 employees now working at the center.
According to information presented during the visit, the health center recorded 37,264 visits last year, representing a 19% increase compared with 2019.
Mitsotakis highlights healthcare upgrades
Speaking after the tour, Mitsotakis said the government’s goal has been to use European funding to carry out a major upgrade of Greece’s National Health System (ESY) infrastructure.
He described the Vari Health Center as an example of the wider modernization effort, noting that the facility, which dates back to 1989, had been transformed through renovation and new equipment to provide improved primary care services to residents of the wider area.
The prime minister also thanked doctors, nurses and administrative staff, saying they are the people who keep the public healthcare system operating.
At the same time, Mitsotakis acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly regarding staffing levels in nursing, and said further efforts would continue to improve the system.
He also encouraged citizens to make greater use of primary healthcare services and health centers, including for emergency cases when available, noting that patients can be transferred to larger hospitals if necessary.
Additional projects in Vari
During his visit to the area, Mitsotakis also inspected flood protection works at the Korbi stream, where he was briefed on the progress of infrastructure projects.
The works include the construction of flood prevention infrastructure stretching 2,840 meters, from Vari-Koropi Avenue to the stream’s outlet in Varkiza, with a total budget of €24 million.
The prime minister also met with volunteer firefighters, civil protection workers and municipal teams involved in wildfire prevention efforts.
He visited the local operational monitoring center, where he was informed about the use of drones for early fire detection and rapid response.
Mitsotakis praised the role of local authorities and volunteers in civil protection, saying cooperation between national and local bodies is essential for improving preparedness against natural disasters.
