An elderly woman tragically died after sustaining serious injuries at her home in Koroni, Southern Peloponnese while waiting nearly an hour for an ambulance. The remote area lacks permanent emergency medical coverage outside the summer tourist season, according to local authorities.
The incident was highlighted by Alexis Charitsis, a member of the Greek Parliament from the New Left party, and Margiannis Panagiotis , deputy mayor of Pylos-Nestoras. Both officials condemned the absence of a year-round EKAB (National Center for Emergency Care) unit in the region, noting that only during the summer months—from July to September—does a limited ambulance service operate.
The woman, who lived in the Charakopio area, lost consciousness after her accident and required urgent hospitalization. The nearest available ambulance had to travel from Kalamata, taking approximately 45 minutes to arrive, by which time she had already passed away.
Charitsis emphasized the ongoing dangers faced by residents due to the lack of emergency services. He recalled a similar fatal incident in 2023 when a young man died under comparable circumstances, prompting local protests demanding permanent medical coverage.
In a public statement, Charitsis said: “Forty-five minutes—this is the cost of a human life today in our community. For years, citizens and local authorities have reported the serious shortage of medical services in Koroni. Temporary summer-only ambulance coverage is not enough. I urge the Health Ministry to act immediately before more lives are lost.”
Charitsis announced he will submit another parliamentary question to the Health Minister calling for the establishment of a permanent ambulance station in Koroni.
