Healthcare workers to protest in Thessaloniki against National Health System issues

The Federation of Hospital Employees (POEDHN) has organized a nationwide protest in Thessaloniki scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026. The demonstration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Hippocrates Hospital, followed by a march toward the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace.

Healthcare professionals are protesting the perceived devaluation of the National Health System (ESY), citing critical issues such as severe understaffing, underfunding, and low wages. The federation noted that staff are facing extreme physical and mental exhaustion due to excessive working hours and a lack of personnel, which has led to hundreds of unpaid shifts and a trend of mass resignations or professionals seeking work abroad.

The protest is timed to coincide with the presence of the Prime Minister and the government in Thessaloniki for the inauguration of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). POEDHN has encouraged member unions in Northern Greece to coordinate the mobilization, which may include 24-hour strikes or work stoppages.