Greek Health Minister defends healthcare system amid hospital equipment and infrastructure issues

Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis is facing criticism following two separate incidents involving public hospital infrastructure and equipment.

At Attikon Hospital, the opposition party SYRIZA has raised urgent questions after both CT scanners at the facility became inoperable. The hospital, which serves West Athens, is currently without functional CT imaging, a critical diagnostic tool for emergency cases. SYRIZA is demanding clarification on emergency measures for patient safety and information regarding potential penalties for the technical support company responsible for the equipment.

Separately, a section of plaster fell from a ceiling in a doctor's office at Venizelio Hospital in Heraklion, Crete. While no injuries were reported, hospital staff have expressed concerns regarding the deteriorating state of aging medical facilities. Minister Georgiadis dismissed the incident as an unpredicted event involving a small area of plaster in an empty office, telling critics to ‘relax’ and stating that the ‘National Health System is not collapsing.’ He characterized those exaggerating the incident as a ‘gang of misery’ and noted that the government is implementing a major building upgrade program.