Mental Health Reform Bill Passes in Greek Parliament

On Tuesday, the Greek Parliament approved the Health Ministry’s draft law on “Completion of the Psychiatric Reform” with 159 votes in favour and 138 against.

This legislation aims to bolster the mental health sector by integrating public health facilities with private doctors and vendors to handle public health emergencies. Article 65, which facilitates this integration, was passed by a similar margin.

Article 20, which establishes a registry for psychiatric health units operated by private entities, saw 159 deputies in favour, 75 against, and 63 abstaining.

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, concluding the debate, assured that no mental health facilities would be closed and no employees would be laid off. Instead, they will be incorporated into the new health region plans. Workers in addiction rehabilitation units will also be included in the new agency structure.

Georgiadis clarified that prevention centres, being private organisations, are funded through a memorandum with the Ministry of Health, which extends until 2027. He emphasised that rehabilitation centers such as 18 Ano and KETHEA will remain operational. The bill does not favour drug-assisted rehabilitation but supports a unified agency overseeing all programs, allowing patients to choose their preferred rehabilitation method.

Discussing the broader National Health System (NHS), Georgiadis noted significant changes since its inception. He highlighted the necessity of closer collaboration between public and private sectors to address current shortages in medical and nursing staff. He advocated for viewing the NHS as encompassing all health facilities in Greece, aiming for a unified health map to optimise contributions and services across the country.