SYRIZA’s MEP Nikos Hountis addressed the European Commission about the dire condition of the public healthcare system on the Greek islands and has called for the implementation of measures to encourage cohesion in remote and regional areas.
Mr. Hountis noted that due to the tragic condition of the country’s healthcare system, many island resident have very limited (if at all) access to healthcare services. The MEP reported that in the Cycladic islands of Anafi, Thirasia, Sikinos, Folegandros and Kimolos there are no doctors.
For other small islands experiencing similar dire conditions, doctors are only available on limited 15-20 day postings, during which time they are often on all on a 24-hour basis.
Even in regional the Primary Health Care Centers on the larger islands in the Cyclades, which attract high volumes of tourists in the summer season, Mr. Hountis noted that there are huge medical and paramedical staff shortages.
