Country struggling with doctor generational gap

The graying of Greece’s healthcare workforce reflects a growing EU-wide challenge, with a third of Greek doctors over 55 years old, according to Eurostat data. While Greece leads the EU in doctors per capita, concerns loom about generational gaps, particularly in the National Health System (ESY).

“Middle-aged doctors, between 40 and 49, are missing,” said Panhellenic Medical Association President Athanasios Exadaktylos. Structural issues persist in rural hospitals, where a lack of permanent hires worsens shortages.

The Health Ministry’s policy allowing doctors to retain positions beyond age 67 exacerbates concerns.

“The person who stays on after retirement age should not continue to hold a position of responsibility, thus hindering the development of others,” said Kostas Livadas, a vice president of the Federation of Hospital Doctors’ Associations of Greece.

“You need doctors with new knowledge and resilience,” he said.

As two thirds of new doctors eye careers abroad, many warn this exodus may leave Greek hospitals unable to rejuvenate. 

Kathimerini