Greek MP questions closure of İskeçe Hospital ICU
Burhan Baran has formally questioned the government over the continued closure of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the İskeçe State Hospital, despite the facility being technically equipped.
In a parliamentary question submitted on April 1, Baran called on the Greek Ministry of Health to provide detailed explanations as to why the ICU has remained non-operational since June 2021.
“Five Years Without ICU Services”
Baran stressed that the issue is not new, recalling previous parliamentary interventions, including a 2021 inquiry in which he urged authorities to strengthen the hospital with permanent solutions and adequate specialist staffing.
Despite these efforts, he said, no tangible progress has been made, describing the situation as “a voice echoing in the desert.”
Staff Shortages at the Core
According to the MP, the main obstacle preventing the ICU from reopening is a shortage of specialized medical personnel, particularly intensive care doctors.
Baran questioned why repeated attempts to recruit staff have failed and what measures the ministry plans to take to attract qualified healthcare professionals to the region.
Regional Healthcare Inequality
Highlighting broader implications, Baran noted that İskeçe is currently the only regional unit in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace without an operational ICU, creating a significant gap in healthcare access.
He warned that this situation affects approximately 111,000 residents, forcing even critical patients to be transferred to neighboring hospitals, potentially delaying life-saving treatment.
Questions to the Health Minister
In his submission, Baran addressed several key questions to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis:
- Why has the ICU at Xanthi Hospital not been sustainably operational since 2021?
- What steps have been taken to address staffing shortages?
- Why have recruitment efforts for ICU specialists been insufficient?
- Are there incentives planned to attract medical professionals to the region?
- Is there a clear timeline for reopening the unit?
Call for Urgent Action
Baran emphasized that ensuring equal and timely access to essential healthcare services is a fundamental responsibility, urging the government to take immediate action to resolve the issue.
