The Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis appeared on Mega Channel’s morning chat show and took the opportunity to warn EOPYY doctors to end their strike, or risk facing drastic measures later in the week. Mr. Georgiadis claimed that while he is up for discussion doctor objections, he will take measures so that patients can continue receive treatment.
Amongst these measures is for EOPYY policyholders to be able to attend external hospital clinic, where they will also be able to receive prescription for medication. The Minister also noted that other doctors would sign up with EOPYY to cover needs. So far about 700 contracts with doctors have been cancelled, because they received patients in their private clinics, despite being on strike.
Mr. Georgiadis denied rumors that the Prime Minister asked him to calm down the tone of his clash with the doctors and find a solution for the health crisis as soon as possible. The Minister maintained that the planned reforms in healthcare have full government support, including the approval of Government Vice President Venizelos.
The Health Minister explained that the controversial reforms, which include suspensions and dismissals, will go through irrespective of the EOPYY strike and gave a one-month deadline for the strike to end. Mr. Georgiadis will have the results of study on the type of doctors that are required in primary healthcare and is willing to discuss the findings on Saturday.
The Deputy Minister of Health Zetta Makri, who appeared separately on SKAI TV, wondered why the doctors are not taking advantage of the offer for discussion and claimed that her Ministry has never made any reference to doctor dismissals or the closure of EOPYY.
