Greek healthcare workers protest for staff and wage increases

Healthcare workers in Greece, represented by the POEDHN federation, have launched protests in Thessaloniki ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair. Demonstrators gathered at AHEPA Hospital to demand urgent reforms for the National Health System (ESY), including permanent staff recruitment, salary increases, and improved working conditions.

POEDHN President Michalis Giannakos highlighted a significant decline in hospital personnel, noting that the workforce dropped from approximately 94,034 in October 2021 to 87,400 by August 2026. He criticized the current health spending, which stands at 5.5% of the budget, compared to 7.5% in other European nations, arguing that the system cannot function effectively with such limited resources.

Specific demands include a horizontal salary increase of 500 euros for all healthcare professionals, the implementation of 13th and 14th month salaries, and the permanent employment of contract workers. Giannakos also pointed to the failure of primary healthcare, noting that over 80% of patients seeking emergency care do not require hospitalization, which places undue pressure on major hospitals.