Greece sets June 17 deadline for 1,131 doctor recruitment applications

The deadline for submitting applications for a large recruitment drive of 1,131 doctor positions in the National Health System (ESY) expires on 17 June 2026. Deputy Health Minister Mariios Themistocleous said the call covers all medical specialties and includes posts in major urban centres, islands, remote and peripheral areas. Interest is high in Attica, with up to five or six candidates per vacancy, while fewer applicants are reported for remote locations.

To tackle chronic vacancies, the ministry announced multiple simultaneous openings—sometimes four or five posts for a single location—and introduced incentives such as higher salaries, increased on‑call fees, reduced taxes, additional financial benefits and housing support provided by local authorities. About two‑thirds of roughly 300 especially difficult positions in islands and peripheries have already been filled. The plan also foresees 3,000 auxiliary staff positions nationwide, and a new platform for recruiting regional nursing personnel will be opened in the coming days. A short extension of the deadline may be considered.