Greek Health Minister Georgiadis faces protest during hospital visit
Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis was met with protests by healthcare workers during his visit to Elena Venizelou Hospital in Athens, where he attended the opening of the hospital’s renovated emergency department.
As the minister arrived, hospital staff voiced their objections with chants and banners, criticizing what they described as a symbolic event aimed at masking the deep-rooted problems of the public healthcare system.
Healthcare workers said staff shortages have reached 50%, arguing that under current conditions the hospital cannot provide proper services. Union representatives claimed that hospital management attempted to suppress the protest by exerting pressure and threats against employees, allegedly restricting their democratic right to protest.
Tensions escalated further during the visit when Minister Georgiadis reportedly attempted to offer melomakarona, a traditional holiday sweet, to hospital staff. The gesture was rejected by workers, who interpreted it as a sign that their concerns were not being taken seriously.
Kostas Katarachias, Secretary General of the Elena Venizelou Hospital Workers’ Union, stated:
“In a hospital that was being discussed for closure just a month ago, today only the walls are being inaugurated. We are fighting to keep this hospital alive.”
Union officials also criticized the heavy police presence and the closure of the hospital entrance during the protest. Healthcare workers argued that the public healthcare system is being deliberately weakened, paving the way for privatization of hospitals
