Private doctors granted access to public hospitals under new rules

Greece will now allow private doctors to use public hospital facilities to treat their own patients, under a joint decision by the Health and National Economy ministries.

The measure applies to all medical specialties and permits collaboration with National Health System (ESY) hospitals for outpatient visits, diagnostics, treatments, interventions, and surgeries conducted outside regular working hours. Private doctors may also join hospital on-call rosters voluntarily.

According to Kathimerini, participating doctors will pay hospitals for the use of infrastructure, medical equipment, and support staff. To qualify, they must be active members of their medical association, hold a valid license and specialty certification, be up to date with tax and social security obligations, and carry professional liability insurance of at least €100,000 per incident and €1 million annually.

They are required to work in close cooperation with hospital staff, oversee patient care until discharge, and follow hospital protocols. Payment for services will be handled through hospitals, either directly by patients or via insurance. Fees range from €125–€1,000 for surgeries and €250–€600 for inpatient care, depending on case severity, with hospitals retaining an extra 20% for infrastructure costs.

Applications will be reviewed by hospital administrations, with approved contracts lasting two years. Authorities will carry out regular inspections, and violations can lead to suspension or permanent bans—three violations will result in a lifetime ban from working in ESY hospitals.