More than 500 doctors coming to public hospitals

The state will hire 530 permanent doctors to strengthen the public health system, the Health Ministry announced on Thursday. The move prioritizes intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments in both Athens and rural hospitals.

The hiring campaign begins May 7 and ends May 23 via esydoctors.moh.gov.gr. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said the plan targets regional gaps, with 476 positions allocated outside Athens. The government hopes enhanced incentives, especially for remote areas, will attract applicants.

“This confirms our strategy to upgrade public healthcare and fill critical gaps,” Georgiadis said, highlighting partnerships with local governments that offer their own incentives.

The announcement also included a major boost to ambulance services, with 250 new ambulances arriving in 2025 – Greece’s largest-ever fleet renewal. Combined with helicopters and donated aircraft, the EKAV emergency response system is expected to reach historic capacity.

Georgiadis pushed back on criticism of the public health system, saying negativity undermines trust.

Kathimerini