Hospitals in Northern Greece near collapse

Several weeks of work-to-rule action by doctors at state hospitals in northern Greece have caused serious setbacks for several institutions with some hospitals barely functional, Kathimerini understands.

The main general hospital in Serres is reportedly in the worst state following the resignation last week of 10 out of the 11 pathologists who were complaining about funding cutbacks. Doctors in the broader prefecture of Serres are planning walkouts and legal action, according to sources, while medics at hospitals in Komotini, Polygyro and Kavala have also launched go-slow action.

The George Papanicolaou General Hospital in Thessaloniki is also said to be in crisis mode, with doctors boycotting morning duty hours over unpaid wages and understaffing.

According to Dimitris Varnavas, president of the Federation of Greek Hospital Doctors’ Unions, morale is at an all-time low. The atmosphere is “explosive,” he said.

Πηγή: ekathimerini.com