Greece health ministry launches 441 permanent doctor posts for primary care

The Greek Ministry of Health approved a recruitment round for 441 permanent specialist doctors in the National Health System (ΕΣΥ) to staff Primary Health Care (PHC) centres and multi‑purpose regional hospitals nationwide. The positions are allocated to the seven health regions as follows: 1st Region 70, 2nd 87, 3rd 48, 4th 80, 5th 39, 6th 82, 7th 35. Two additional posts for island PHC units are funded by the Stélios Philanthropic Foundation. Applications are accepted electronically via the esydoctors platform from 9 July 2026 12:00 to 27 July 2026 12:00. Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidaki said the initiative “strengthens the NHS, reduces inequalities and ensures every health centre, from large urban sites to remote islands, has the necessary medical staff.”

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis reported that the broader recruitment drive covered 1,171 permanent doctor positions, of which 962 (82.15 %) received applications, while 209 remained vacant and will be re‑issued this summer. He noted improved uptake even in historically understaffed hospitals, though some islands still face shortages.

A separate notice detailed an additional 11 specialist positions for the Rethymno health region’s centres (Perama, Spili, Agia Fotini, Anogeia) and the Plakia regional hospital, covering family medicine, paediatrics, cardiology and dentistry, with the same application window.