Kastra island doctor arrest triggers health staffing dispute
A rural doctor serving the island of Kastra (Καστελόριζο) was arrested after an altercation with a municipal employee over housing conditions. The incident occurred while the two rural doctors on the island had already submitted their resignations, which were accepted by the 2nd Health Region (2η ΥΠΕ).
The Health Ministry, represented by Minister Adonis Georgiades, clarified that the arrest is unrelated to the National Health System or electronic prescribing, describing it as a personal dispute between the doctor, a municipal employee, and police. The 2nd Health Region affirmed that it had no involvement in the incident, that the doctors ceased public employment on July 3 2026, and that replacement general and rural physicians were immediately deployed to ensure uninterrupted medical services.
The Municipality of Megisti refuted claims of the doctor’s detention and asserted that health services on the island continued without interruption. It also emphasized that it is not legally obliged to provide housing, although it offers a monthly allowance through the Galinos Foundation.
The Athens Medical Association (ISA) condemned the episode, highlighting “the serious difficulties faced by physicians in remote islands” and calling for a comprehensive incentive framework, including decent housing, safe work environments, and career development, to retain doctors in isolated areas.