Greek Ministry of Health advances unified nursing sector and island work bonus

The Greek Ministry of Health is set to announce the creation of a Unified Nursing Sector within the coming week. The proposal, presented by PASYNO‑ESY President Dimitris Pistolas, calls for a distinct professional branch for nurses and nursing assistants, with separate recruitment procedures, a special pension scheme, higher wages, and clear professional categories based on education levels. The reform aims to improve the attractiveness of nursing careers and address the chronic shortage of staff in public hospitals.

In parallel, the ministry, together with the Finance Ministry, issued a joint decision to pay a €1,200 monthly bonus to 200 nurses and 100 other health‑care workers who relocate to islands and remote areas from 1 June to 30 September. The incentive targets summer staffing gaps in primary health units, though recipients often face difficulties securing affordable housing.

Both measures are part of broader efforts to stabilize Greece’s health system by boosting recruitment and retaining nursing personnel.