Zakynthos General Hospital faces severe staffing shortages

The General Hospital of Zakynthos on the island’s tourist peninsula is experiencing a critical collapse of services due to chronic under‑staffing. The Union of Hospital Doctors of Zakynthos warned that “the word that describes the situation is mildly TRAGIC with continuous deterioration and inevitable collapse without major intervention”. Only one internist is available out of five needed, one pediatrician out of four, one nephrologist out of three, and two cardiologists out of four, with a single trainee for eight expected posts. The pediatric clinic operates intermittently, while the nursing workforce covers just 60 % of required positions, leaving many on temporary contracts.

The surgical department is better staffed, but an influx of severe traffic‑accident victims—most involving unlicensed “guarana‑type” vehicles—overwhelms the already stretched emergency capacity. Local health groups, including ELME Zakynthos, criticize repeated reliance on temporary doctor relocations and private “block” hires, calling for immediate permanent staffing of the pediatric unit and all hospital departments, and for a comprehensive plan to reinforce public health services on the island.