The picture painted by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis in his recent interview leaves little room for doubt: public healthcare in Greece is entering a new era, centered on digitalization, reduced waiting times, and immediate access to doctors and surgeries.
His personal ambition is clear: “When my term ends, I want not even my most ardent opponent to say, ‘Georgiadis did nothing.’”
The Digital Leap: From 3 Months to 3 Days
One of the most significant steps presented is the MyHealth app. The platform consolidates the patient’s electronic health records, including referrals, medications, test history, and surgeries.
The app also allows users to book medical appointments electronically. Until recently, waiting times could reach three months. With the new platform, this has been reduced to three days, with some appointments available even the same day.
“From three months to three days. In many cases, you can even book for the same day,” Georgiadis explained.
1566 free tel line: 162,000 Calls in One Day
The most striking innovation, however, is the 15-66 telephone line, launched on October 1st. This line allows citizens to book appointments at any hospital or health center in Greece for free.
The numbers are staggering:
- The system was designed for 11,000 calls per day.
- On the first day, it received 162,360 calls.
- On the second day, around 100,000 calls.
“No telephone system in the world can handle that volume. We also implemented a call-back feature: you leave your number, and we call you back free of charge,” the Minister stated.
Reducing Surgery Waiting Lists: –86%
From his first days at the Ministry, Georgiadis focused on chronic problems, starting with endless surgical waiting lists.
According to the data he presented:
- Surgery waiting lists have been reduced by 86%.
- Average waiting times have dropped to four months.
- In many cases, procedures are scheduled within a few weeks.
“Yesterday we showed the figures to the Troika. They saw –86% in surgery waiting lists. An unbelievable number,” he emphasized.
The Philosophy Behind the Reform
The Minister’s vision is clear: accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. He admitted he initially did not want to return to the Ministry of Health, but today he expresses gratitude:
“When the Prime Minister asked me, I wasn’t thrilled. Now, however, I am very happy. I work hard and am fully dedicated to this Ministry.”
Challenges and Reactions
The process was not without resistance. Many doctors initially opposed the MyHealth Up system, even taking the matter to court. Nevertheless, the project proceeded.
The 15-66 faced similar pushback: “In Parliament, the opposition voted against it. Today, everyone acknowledges it as a step forward.”
Remaining Challenges
The interview also addressed the tragic case of the 28-year-old woman in Arta, who died from an allergic shock. Georgiadis clarified:
“I cannot make medical judgments. The key question is whether there was hospital negligence. The administrative investigation will clarify this. What I observed is that the ICU responded immediately, CPR was performed, and medical personnel were present. Unfortunately, the patient did not survive.”
This demonstrates that, despite reforms, the Greek healthcare system will continue to face emergencies that require ongoing improvement.
The Road to the Future
Georgiadis aims to leave behind a healthcare system that is faster, more organized, and citizen-oriented:
- No citizen waiting months for an appointment.
- Patients knowing precisely when they will undergo surgery.
- Doctors having complete digital health records at their disposal.
“Healthcare is entering the future. And the future is not theory—it is implementation,” he concluded.
The Minister’s interview highlighted a comprehensive political strategy supported by measurable results. With surgery lists shrinking, appointments scheduled within days, and the new hotline breaking records, the government is demonstrating that digitalization is no longer a campaign promise but a daily reality.
Whether this momentum will continue remains to be seen. For now, Adonis Georgiadis has every reason to claim that Greek healthcare is moving into the future.