Greece plans 9,000 new healthcare positions for ESY

The Greek Ministry of Health is planning to strengthen the National Health System (ESY) by creating 9,060 permanent positions for medical, nursing, and other staff through the end of 2026. The plan includes 1,673 permanent physician positions, 3,584 nursing positions, and 3,676 other staff roles, alongside 127 university professors. Additionally, 1,174 auxiliary staff positions are expected to be filled as part of a larger 2026 goal.

To address shortages in critical specialties and underserved regions, the ministry is offering various financial and non-financial incentives. These include increases to base salaries, hospital employment allowances, responsibility allowances, and higher compensation for on-call shifts. Specific monthly incentives of 250 to 400 euros are planned for doctors working in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Emergency Departments.

Lilian Vildiri, General Secretary of Health Services, noted that a recent call for 1,170 specialized doctors saw an 82% application rate, suggesting that recent incentive measures are beginning to yield results even in historically difficult-to-staff areas.