Medical associations in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace call for clear rules on medical procedures by specialty
Five medical associations in Greece’s Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region are calling for clear, uniform and binding rules defining which medical procedures may be performed by each medical specialty and what medical equipment practitioners may use in primary healthcare facilities.
In a joint letter to Greece’s Central Health Council (KESY) and 40 leading medical scientific societies, the medical associations of Meriç (Evros), Rhodope (Rodopi), İskeçe (Xanthi), Kavala and Drama highlighted difficulties in licensing and inspecting private primary healthcare providers because of uncertainty over the scope of practice of certain specialties.
The associations argue that clearer regulations are necessary to ensure consistent inspections, protect patients and safeguard public health.
UNCLEAR RULES COMPLICATE INSPECTIONS
According to the joint intervention, rapid advances in medical technology and the introduction of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods have made it increasingly difficult to determine whether certain procedures fall within the recognised scope of a particular medical specialty.
The medical associations are legally responsible for licensing and inspecting private primary healthcare providers within their respective jurisdictions. However, their inspection committees can face difficulties assessing whether medical practices and laboratories comply with the law when clear, up-to-date scientific and legal criteria are unavailable.
The associations warn that the issue goes beyond administrative uncertainty. They particularly highlight concerns about the unauthorised practice of a medical specialty, which can occur when doctors perform procedures outside the recognised scope of their qualifications.
CALL FOR BINDING NATIONAL STANDARDS
The five associations are asking KESY and the relevant scientific societies to establish an official framework specifying the medical procedures permitted under each specialty, based on its recognised field of expertise and the training required of practitioners.
They are also seeking clear rules on which medical devices and equipment may be installed, operated and used by doctors of each specialty in primary healthcare facilities.
According to the associations, a uniform framework would help ensure consistent treatment of doctors during inspections, provide clearer guidance for inspection committees and strengthen patient safety.
REQUEST FOR INSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUE
The associations have called on the relevant scientific and institutional bodies to respond promptly and begin a dialogue aimed at resolving the issue.
They maintain that clarifying the professional boundaries of each medical specialty is essential both for the effective functioning of medical associations and for protecting public health.
The joint appeal seeks to establish clearer oversight standards across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, although any resulting regulatory changes would depend on action by the competent authorities.
