Zeybek raises staffing shortages at İskeçe State Hospital in parliament

Hüseyin Zeybek, a member of parliament representing İskeçe (Xanthi), has called on Greece's Health Ministry to address severe staff shortages at the state hospital and reopen its intensive care unit, which has remained closed since June 2021.

In a parliamentary question submitted to the Health Ministry, Zeybek highlighted staffing shortages at public healthcare facilities across the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with particular emphasis on Xanthi State Hospital.

Citing a September 2026 survey by the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDIN), the MP said the hospital had vacancies for one university-educated nurse, six nurses with technological education qualifications, 43 assistant nurses, nine midwives, nine patient transport staff and seven patient care and ward support workers.

INTENSIVE CARE UNIT CLOSED SINCE 2021

One of the main concerns raised by Zeybek was the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), which has been out of operation since June 2021.

He argued that its prolonged closure has left residents of the Xanthi regional unit without access to intensive care services at their local hospital. He called on the Health Ministry to take concrete steps to reopen the unit and announce a clear timetable.

QUESTIONS OVER DOCTOR RECRUITMENT

Zeybek also requested an update on the recruitment process for eight permanent doctor positions announced for the hospital in June 2026. Three of those positions were allocated to the intensive care unit.

He asked how many positions had been filled, how many applications had been received and whether any vacancies had attracted no applicants or remained unresolved.

The parliamentary question also raised concerns about healthcare workers' demanding working conditions, difficulties in recruiting doctors and delays in the payment of on-call duties.

SIX QUESTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE HEALTH MINISTRY

Zeybek requested detailed answers from the ministry on six issues:

• The hospital's current staffing levels, including the number of approved positions, filled posts and vacancies among doctors, nurses, auxiliary healthcare workers, administrative staff and other personnel.
• The status of recruitment for the eight permanent doctor positions announced in June 2026, particularly the three intensive care specialist posts.
• The reasons for the ICU's closure since June 2021 and the ministry's timetable for restoring its services.
  Measures to address shortages among nurses and support staff, particularly the 43 vacant assistant nurse posts, nine midwife positions and nine patient transport positions.
• The number of permanent and contract support staff who left or were recruited over the past three years, the outstanding or delayed on-call payments, and measures to ensure timely payment.
• Current staffing levels and specialist shortages at health centres and other public healthcare facilities across the İskeçe regional unit, as well as plans to strengthen these services.