Özgür Ferhat raises hospital and Komotini prison issues in Parliament
In a written report submitted to the Minister of Health, Ferhat requested clarification on the findings of this investigation, conducted on the occasion of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair. He emphasized the tragic state of 29 hospitals and 14 health centers in Northern Greece and pointed out the severe decline of the National Health System.
Ferhat’s political office issued a statement highlighting the following:
"According to the investigation, many hospitals are facing a 30% shortage in medical staff, including critical specialties such as internal medicine and anesthesiology. This has led to insufficient functioning of clinics, inoperative intensive care units, and long-term closure of operating rooms. Diagnostic rooms and laboratory departments are unable to operate due to shortages of medical supplies, nursing staff, and equipment operators. In many hospitals, medical equipment is outdated, and even when new, it is often unusable due to staff shortages. Furthermore, technical and administrative services are nearly non-existent in most hospitals.
Health centers, which should serve as a filter for secondary healthcare services, are barely functioning due to a lack of doctors and nurses. The shortage of ambulance equipment has also become a major issue, often forcing nurses to operate ambulances, or leaving them unusable. This has created significant delays in patient transfers.
The health personnel, already limited in number, are exhausted under these harsh conditions. This not only negatively impacts the physical and mental health of doctors and nurses but also puts patient care at risk. The Ministry must urgently consider POEDIN’s requests and hire more staff, while also increasing funding and support for healthcare facilities."
Issues at Komotini Prison
Additionally, Ferhat brought the issue of overcrowding and staff shortages at Komotini Prison to Parliament.
In his parliamentary inquiry, Ferhat stated:
"The Komotini Prison has a capacity of 160 inmates but is currently housing 260. The prison staff consists of 42 members, while the required number is 65. Transfers of prisoners from other regions, including Drama, continue to exacerbate the situation.
In light of these facts, the following questions are posed to the Ministers: What are the Ministry's plans for immediately relieving overcrowding at Komotini Prison and increasing staff numbers?
Furthermore, what measures does the Ministry plan to implement to improve working conditions for prison staff and detention conditions for inmates?"
