Greece healthcare workers flee public system due to low wages

Low wages and the absence of 13th and 14th-month bonuses are driving a mass exodus of healthcare professionals from Greece's National Health System (ESY). According to Michalis Giannakos, president of POEDHN, many young professionals are opting for the private sector or moving abroad to seek better living conditions.

Specific salary figures highlighted include university-educated nurses earning approximately 850 euros per month, nursing assistants receiving 750 euros, and paramedics earning 700 euros. Doctors are reported to earn less than 2,000 euros per month. These low compensation levels have resulted in numerous unsuccessful job recruitment calls.

Additionally, while there has been partial progress regarding the classification of the sector under heavy and unhealthy professions, issues remain. Disparities exist in how regulations are applied, as newer permanent employees and contract workers benefit from certain provisions while older permanent staff face difficulties due to required retroactive insurance contributions.