Athens Medical Association issues 1.3 million euro in fines

The Athens Medical Association (ISA) has released details regarding its oversight and inspection of private primary healthcare providers within its jurisdiction. The association manages more than 16,500 entities, including clinics, polyclinics, and diagnostic laboratories.

Inspections are conducted through a three-member committee to issue or modify operating certificates, as well as through random sampling and investigations triggered by citizen complaints. These checks ensure the presence of a scientifically responsible physician, proper equipment, and adherence to hygiene and legal standards. The ISA noted that it is impossible to monitor all 15,000+ entities daily, as inspections provide a snapshot of a facility at a specific moment.

Since the beginning of 2024, approximately 5,500 entities have been inspected for operating certificates, alongside roughly 1,000 random or complaint-based inspections. In terms of enforcement, the ISA has imposed administrative fines totaling over 1.32 million euros on 40 healthcare providers. Additionally, 18 entities had their operating certificates suspended for one to six months, and 12 entities faced permanent closure and sealing of their premises.