18.2.13

According to the president of the Athens Medical Association (ISA) Giorgos Patoulis, Turkey is constructing a floating hospital, which is to provide health services for islands in the Aegean.

Mr. Patoulis explained that the Turkish vessel will “provide health services to islands in the Aegean , not just the two-three Turkish ones (Tenedos, Imvros), but also to the thousands of citizens on the Greek islands”. Mr. Patoulis pointed out the government’s complete lack of care for citizens of the remote islands of Arki, Agathonisi, Kastelorizo, Nisiros, Kasos, Tilos and Halki.

Mr. Patoulis also noted that “we give our neighbors the opportunity to take advantage of the Greek state’s enduring idleness towards Greek society, now more than ever, when society is plagued by a deep financial, social and humanitarian crisis”. Mr. Patoulis demands that all healthcare bodies increase their intervention “until the state claims its responsibilities”.