New Gümülcine General Hospital enters final stage, set to open in early 2027
Staff Numbers to Rise to 686 in the First Years of Operation
The construction of the new Gümülcine General Hospital (SNF) is entering its final phase, with delivery to the local community expected in early 2027. The project is progressing steadily, alongside the procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment that will position the hospital among the most modern healthcare facilities in Europe.
At the same time, staffing reinforcement is moving forward in line with commitments made by the Greek government. When operations begin, the hospital will employ 538 doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, a figure expected to increase to 686 employees within five years, up from the current workforce of 502.
These developments were highlighted during an open public meeting on the progress of the new hospital, held in Gümülcine on Tuesday, February 3, organized by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The event took place as part of the 9th cycle of open community meetings for the three SNF-funded hospitals and included representatives from the SNF, the Ministry of Health, construction contractor AVAX Group, and project manager Hill International.
Current Status of Construction
So far, earthworks for both the Main Building and the Energy Center have been completed, while concrete works for the main building have reached Level L1. Foundation waterproofing has been finalized, along with the construction of underground and embedded electromechanical (M&E) networks.
In addition, two of the four geothermal system loops have already been installed. Structural timber and prefabricated wooden façade walls are currently being fitted in the Mental Health Building.
In the coming months, work will continue with:
- Concrete pouring for building cores and staircases
- Installation of the timber load-bearing structure in the northern section of the main building
- Placement of wooden façade walls in the same area
This will be followed by interior architectural works (brickwork and drywall), installation of electromechanical networks, and landscaping of the surrounding area. Of the 1,235 trees planned for planting, 1,059 have already been selected and will remain in nurseries until installation begins.
Local Community Ownership and Responsibility
Speaking via live connection, SNF President Andreas Dracopoulos emphasized the importance of these public discussions, noting that the project is not only about buildings, but also about equipment and, above all, people.
He stressed that each local community must feel both ownership and responsibility for such projects, underlining that the hospital transcends governments and political ideologies and ultimately belongs to society as a whole. He also highlighted the importance of public–private sector cooperation in addressing major healthcare challenges and referred to other aspects of the SNF’s International Health Initiative, particularly in trauma care, infectious diseases, and mental health.
Staffing Remains a Top Priority
Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistocleous, who also participated in the discussion, stated that all public commitments regarding the hospital’s supporting infrastructure are on schedule, thanking the Municipality of Gümülcine, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and local society for their support.
Regarding staffing, he confirmed that personnel from the existing Sismanogleio Hospital will be transferred to the new facility, while additional recruitment calls will soon be announced.
Planned staffing levels include:
Opening day: 538 employees
- 105 medical staff
- 232 nursing staff
- 201 administrative and support staff
Year 3: 589 employees
Year 5: 686 employees (134 medical, 268 nursing, 284 support staff)
The remaining hires will be completed within 2026, ensuring full readiness on the first day of operation. A dedicated steering committee has already been established to oversee and coordinate the transition.
Training, Cooperation, and Incentives for Doctors
Responding to questions from the audience, Mr. Themistocleous clarified that doctors will receive technical training for the new medical equipment, while no additional medical retraining will be required, except in highly specialized cases where flexibility will be applied.
During the discussion, the Secretary General of the Medical Association, Dimitris Gymnopoulos, called for improved cooperation between the hospital and private practitioners. Meanwhile, Zoi Kosmidou, President of the Heart Patients Association, expressed her organization’s gratitude for the inclusion of their proposal for a hemodynamics unit in the hospital’s planning.
On incentives for young doctors to return to their home regions, the Deputy Minister referred to measures already in place across the National Health System (ESY), including very low taxation for professionals returning from abroad, salary increases, and higher on-call compensation—factors that have led to increased interest in new medical positions, particularly in urban areas.
Hospital and Regional Health Authorities Ready for Transition
The event was also addressed by Panagiotis Bogiatzídis, Director of the 4th Regional Health Authority, who stressed that the new hospital is being designed and implemented according to modern standards, with an emphasis on functionality, safety, and building quality.
Finally, Elena Rofaela, Governor of Gümülcine Hospital, described the new hospital not merely as an infrastructure project but as a living organism at the heart of Thrace’s society, designed to meet both present and future needs. She emphasized that preparing and supporting human resources remains a core priority, ensuring that staff can meet new demands with confidence and safety.
