Greece forensic services face collapse amid staffing shortages

Greek forensic services are facing a severe crisis characterized by operational deadlocks and significant staffing shortages, according to a joint statement by PASOK-KINAL MP Evangelia Liakouli and the President of the Regional Forensic Services Employees Association, K. Papagregoriou.

The association reports that the Ministry of Justice has failed to fulfill commitments to support public toxicology and pathology laboratories, leading to the outsourcing of examinations to private entities. Staffing issues are acute, highlighted by the resignation of 22 forensic doctors out of approximately 40 recently hired through a specific recruitment process.

Furthermore, employees report a lack of hazardous and unhealthy work allowances. Liakouli criticized the government, alleging that promised reorganizations have been mere communication tactics that have instead led to the collapse of these essential services, which she described as a fundamental pillar for the administration of justice and the protection of citizens' rights.