Greek MP Ioannis Tsimaris criticizes healthcare and pollution policies

During parliamentary sessions, Ioannis Tsimaris, a PASOK-Kίνημα Αλλαγής MP for Ioannina, raised concerns regarding the Ministry of Health's bill for nursing staff and health technology assessment. Tsimaris argued that the bill fails to address the difficulties the National Health System (ESY) faces in attracting and retaining nurses due to low wages and difficult working conditions. He advocated for the creation of a unified and autonomous nursing sector and called for substantive salary upgrades and transparent career progression.

Additionally, Tsimaris addressed severe air pollution issues in the Ioannina basin. He criticized the government for using annual averages to mask dangerous spikes in PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter, particularly during winter months when biomass burning occurs. He noted that pollution levels in the region have exceeded WHO guidelines by 4.3 times, posing significant respiratory and long-term health risks to residents. Tsimaris urged the Ministry of Environment to commit specific resources and update regulatory frameworks to provide timely relief based on real-time air quality data.