The President of PDEDN, Michalis Giannakos, visited Kythera, where he met with the Governor of Kythera Hospital, Theodoros Koukoulis. The serious staff shortages in the public health system were discussed, with emphasis on the understaffing of the island structures, while the low response despite the salary incentives was pointed out. The Commander also had a working meeting with the Mayor of Kythera Efstratios Harhalakis and participated in the meeting of the Local Civil Protection Body.
The following is the hospital's press release.
HELLENIC REPUBLIC
2nd DEPARTMENT OF PIRAEUS & AEGEAN
GENERAL HOSPITAL - KYTHIRA C.I.U. «TRIPHYLION»
Governor's Office
Kythera, 30/04/2025
Meeting with the President of PDEDN, Mr. Michael Giannakos, who is visiting Kythera, had the Governor of the «Trifyllion» General Hospital of Kythera, Mr. Theodoros G. Koukoulis, today Wednesday, 30/4/2025. They discussed the general situation in the health sector and especially in public hospitals. They agreed that there is understaffing which must be addressed as soon as possible by announcements of staff positions in both the medical and nursing sectors, if there is budgetary space. It was also noted that despite the salary incentives recently introduced by the Ministry of Health for doctors to serve in island health units, there is not the expected response.
For our Hospital, the Governor stressed that he is making every effort to strengthen the staff, within the framework of the country's budgetary possibilities and noted that medical and nursing staff are welcome if they choose our island to serve in these sectors. He added that all possible facilities will be provided - to the extent possible - to those who will want to be seconded or receive a permanent position through AΣEP in our hospital.
Afterwards, the Governor had a working meeting at the Town Hall with the Mayor, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis, during which both sides expressed their willingness to cooperate on issues concerning both our Hospital and the whole of our island and Antikythera. The Governor proceeded to present a series of issues that concern the Hospital and to which the Municipality has the possibility to contribute. The Mayor responded positively to what was mentioned by the Governor and asked that the requests be sent in writing to the Municipality so that they can be considered and where possible, they will be met.
Finally, the Commander participated in the meeting of the T.E.S.O.P.P. (Local Operational Coordination Body for Civil Protection) held at the Town Hall under the chairmanship of the Mayor. During the meeting, in his intervention, he said that the Kythera General Hospital is already taking the necessary steps to be ready within its capabilities in the coming days.
