Greek health ministry completes large doctor recruitment drive with over 2,000 applications

Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous announced the completion of the 1,131 permanent doctor recruitment campaign for Greece’s National Health System (ESY). More than 2,000 applications have been received, and hires are expected within four to six months, with urgent placements possible in two months.

The ministry also reported a total of 5,000 permanent hires and 3,000 additional auxiliary staff this year, marking the highest staffing level ever for ESY. Ongoing measures include relocating ambulance crews to high‑need regions, increasing shifts in tourist areas, and adding two donated helicopters for air‑medic transport.

A new digital feature will be added to the MyHealth App, allowing citizens to view real‑time waiting times at emergency hospitals and choose the facility with the shortest queue. Patient satisfaction surveys show 75 % rating care as good or very good, with nine out of ten finding the doctor they needed.