Healthcare professionals in Crete call for protests and host international symposium

Healthcare workers in Crete are organizing mass rallies in Heraklion and Chania on October 30, 2026, to defend the National Health System (ESY). The Association of Primary Healthcare Workers in Crete has raised concerns regarding critical shortages, noting that only 42.3% of permanent positions in Crete's health centers are filled. They cited issues including an over-reliance on contract workers, outdated organizational structures, underperforming laboratory and radiological departments, and the use of untrained personnel for ambulance services.

Separately, Chania will host an international symposium titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Palliative Care’ on October 31. The event brings together over 100 scientists and health professionals from Greece and abroad to discuss improving care for patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Organized by several non-profit organizations and under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, the symposium aims to enhance multidisciplinary cooperation and psychosocial support for patients and their families.