Kyriakos Mitsotakis meets with medical and patient groups

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with various interest groups to discuss critical healthcare issues.

Nikos Batzios, President of the Medical Association of Thessaloniki, submitted a memorandum addressing severe shortages in medical specialties. He highlighted that Thessaloniki faces a 48.9% deficit in certain specialties, specifically noting 43 vacancies in Medical Biopathology. The association proposed increasing salaries for National Health System (ESY) doctors, providing incentives for remote areas, and creating a mechanism for coverage doctors within health regions to combat the 'brain drain' of young physicians.

Additionally, Vasiliki Sialvera, President of the Panhellenic Association of Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Greece, presented demands regarding SMA care. The association is calling for the universal application of newborn screening for SMA across Greece and carrier testing for those with family histories. They also requested the immediate determination of insurance reimbursement prices for specialized heavy-duty electric wheelchairs, which are essential for the autonomy and social integration of patients with severe neuromuscular disabilities.