In an atmosphere filled with emotion, respect, and commitment, the swearing-in ceremony of 158 newly appointed EKAV ambulance crews took place on Monday, October 20, in the presence of Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, Deputy Minister Marios Themistokleous, and General Secretary of Health Services Lilian Venetia Vildiridi.
This event marked a turning point for EKAV, as after ten years, the organization once again welcomes new personnel, strengthening its frontline mission to protect life and human health.
Adonis Georgiadis: “A sacred and demanding profession – we stand by you”
Minister Georgiadis began his speech with a moment of silence in memory of an EKAV rescuer who recently lost his life in the line of duty.
“The work you do is among the most difficult in an organized society. You are the first responders, the people who save lives. I am proud that under our leadership, EKAV has already made significant progress,” he said.
He emphasized that the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive modernization plan, focusing on digital transformation and organizational restructuring, so that EKAV can adapt to the new realities of healthcare delivery.
“By next summer, we will present an even stronger, more modern, and more humane EKAV,” he assured, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuously supporting emergency healthcare professionals.
Themistokleous: “EKAV is not just a service – it’s a philosophy of giving”
Deputy Minister Marios Themistokleous underlined the deeper meaning of the profession:“Being an EKAV rescuer is not simply a job title. It’s a philosophy of service, a way of life. EKAV represents compassion, solidarity, and protection at people’s most difficult moments.”
He highlighted that EKAV is undergoing rapid modernization, expanding its training programs, and adopting international standards in emergency response.“For the Ministry of Health, EKAV is a priority – a cornerstone of social cohesion and humanity,” he added.
A new generation of rescuers joins EKAV’s mission
General Secretary Lilian Venetia Vildiridi welcomed the new recruits, noting that in the past 18 months, the Ministry has announced over 500 new permanent positions, while 426 additional emergency workers have already joined the organization.“The soul of every institution is its people. EKAV’s strength lies in those who serve it with empathy and dedication,” she stated.
EKAV Administrator George Charalambous called the ceremony “a historic day”, as the organization celebrates 40 years of service to the Greek people.“Today, 158 new rescuers officially join the EKAV family. You are now the face of calm in panic, the hand that lifts those in fear, the face of hope for those in distress,” he said.
Workers’ Union President George Mathiopoulos, visibly moved, added:“We lost a colleague in the line of duty. His memory will guide us. I wish all of you strength, health, and courage in your mission.”
A modern EKAV for a new era in Greek healthcare
Today’s ceremony was more than symbolic — it represented a renewed commitment to public health.Under Adonis Georgiadis’s leadership, the Ministry of Health is restructuring emergency medical services, upgrading equipment, and strengthening staffing, to ensure that every citizen receives timely and dignified care.
Greece is investing not only in technology, but in people — those who protect life itself.
Source: pagenews.gr