«No downgrading» says Georgiades for Kythera: Immediate notices, allowances and contracts with private contractors

The Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiades, gave the categorical assurance that the Kythera Hospital will not be closed or downgraded to a Health Centre. This commitment emerged during a scheduled meeting held on Friday 27 February at the Ministry of Health, with the participation of a delegation from the Kythera Institutions and Associations, as well as the Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and MP for Piraeus, Kostas Katsafadou.

Cry of anguish over the shortage of doctors

The focus of the critical meeting was the difficult situation in the hospital of the island due to the lack of medical staff. The delegation of stakeholders expressed the strong concern of the residents about the imminent departure of doctors with critical specialties, but also about the general problem of lack of interest in filling the vacant organic positions. At the same time, they conveyed the widespread fears of the local community about the possible downgrading of the hospital or even its final closure.

The Ministry's commitments

Responding to the concerns of Kytheria, Mr Georgiades ruled out any downgrading scenario and announced the following immediate actions:

• Direct Notice: He ordered that all the vacant posts of doctors be advertised immediately.
• Collaboration with Individuals: He asked for consultation with the Governor of the Kythera Hospital in order to proceed with the procedures for the conclusion of cooperation contracts with private doctors, in order to cover current needs.
• Financial Incentives: He undertook to examine the possibility of extending the granting of a monthly allowance, along the lines of the conditions that apply to the Health Centres of the islands, in order to provide additional incentives to doctors.

Finally, it was agreed that the Minister's associates would be in open communication with the Hospital's administration and the local Unions, as well as with Mr Katsafados, in order to monitor the implementation of the regulations.

Who was present

Leading representatives of Kythera's stakeholders participated in the meeting that defines the next steps for public health on the island. In particular, the following attended:

• The Honorary President of the Triphyllion Foundation, Mr. Kalokairinos.
• The Vice President of the Foundation, Mr. Mr. Emmanuel Kalligeros, President of the Foundation.
• The President of the K.I.P.A., Mr. Mr.
• The President of the Kytheraiki Brotherhood of Piraeus-Athens, Mr. D. Parisis.
• The President of the Kythiraikos Association of Athens, Mrs. Vas. Samiou-Floropoulou.
• The President of the Society of Kytheraic Studies, Mrs. Aroni-Cichli.