As Minister of Health, I face challenges every day that require bold decisions and strategic planning. The Onassis Transplant Center is a living example of our policy: the new wing is fully ready, but the law requires procedures that would have delayed its full operation by six months.
I chose to act in a legal and practical way, submitting the proper amendment to extend/waive the six-month deadline so the center could begin operating in October 2025, providing immediate life-saving care and hope to patients. Rather than waiting until March, we decided not to let bureaucracy become an obstacle to human life.
“Is it worth 50 MPs being inconvenienced for an hour if this saves lives six months earlier?” This is my principle – the health of citizens is my priority, not procedural delays.
The new Onassis Transplant Center is not just for adults; the pediatric wing will allow liver and heart transplants for the first time in Greece starting in early 2026. Training of our doctors has already begun with international instructors, positioning Greece at the forefront of pediatric transplant medicine in Europe.
The story of young Dimitris, who was saved by being transferred to Italy, is exactly why we cannot wait: from January onwards, with the new wing, such transplants will take place here in Greece.
Through these decisions, Greece has increased transplant rates: from 4 active donors per 100,000 citizens in 2019, we reached 13 in 2025, aiming for 14. Every story – like that of parents donating their child’s organs – demonstrates the value of our policy: we do not focus solely on statistics; we save human lives.
We also launched a digital awareness campaign through HDIKA, sending emails to all citizens with information and an easy way to register as organ donors. This is an initiative that goes beyond politics and is grounded in pure human solidarity.
It is not only the projects and donations that distinguish us. It is the speed, decisiveness, and prioritization of citizens’ lives. The Onassis Center, supported by private donors like Andreas Dracopoulos and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is becoming one of Europe’s leading transplant centers, with facilities, staff, and expertise never before seen in Greece.
In conclusion, our transplant policy is defined by speed, quality, and humanity. Every law, every procedure, every donation is utilized to place Greece at the forefront. This is my vision: a country that saves lives, invests in health, and leads Europe.
With the Onassis Transplant Center and new pediatric transplants, we are fulfilling our promise: Greece saves lives and creates hope.
Source: pagenews.gr