Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed optimism about the ongoing transformation of Greece’s public health system (ESY), highlighting improvements in hospital facilities, staffing, and patient care.
In a public statement, Mitsotakis said that hospital and health center renovations are progressing nationwide, while citizens now have easier access to free preventive examinations. He added that new medical staff are being hired and healthcare workers’ salaries upgraded, while afternoon surgeries have been introduced to reduce long waiting lists.
“The ESY is changing,” Mitsotakis said. “Step by step, it is becoming more humane and effective.”
According to recent patient surveys, the changes are being noticed. From 15,586 questionnaires sent to patients across 92 hospitals and 447 clinics, 30% responded. Results showed that 93% found the specialist they needed, 88% reported being treated with courtesy and respect, and 75% expressed overall satisfaction with the care received.
Emergency departments, often under heavy pressure, also showed encouraging results. Data indicated that 66% of patients waited less than four hours, with 42% treated in under one hour. Officials credit the rollout of an electronic wristband system in 10 hospitals, which is now being expanded, for improving efficiency.
Mitsotakis emphasized that ongoing feedback from patients will help authorities identify and address longstanding weaknesses in the health system. “As the sample of responses grows, we will gain a clearer picture of every hospital and clinic,” he noted, adding that oncology units and other specialized facilities will soon be included in the evaluations.
