OT at TIF – Health Min. Plevris: Jabs with the new vaccines will begin in a week,

In one week, vaccinations will begin with the new updated vaccines that Greece has already received, said Health Minister Thanos Plevris, speaking at the OT Forum in the context of the 86th TIF. As the minister explained, vaccinations were limited in the summer as they mainly concerned those over 60 and vulnerable groups. With the new updated Omicron vaccines, 86% protection against infection and disease is achieved.

In response to OT’s question about the period of time during which citizens will be required to get the vaccine against Covid-19, Mr. Plevris explained that to date we do not have a complete picture of the progression of the disease and therefore there is no answer such as e.g. h. for the flu shot that is given once a year.

Back to normal, no mandatory measures

Based on the picture of the pandemic in Greece and globally, Mr. Plevris emphasized that we are returning to normality and to a phase of coexistence with the coronavirus and for this we do not need mandatory measures but recommendations to the general population, while special attention is requested to pay mainly the most vulnerable groups. That is why the measures that will be announced will be aimed at these groups and not at the whole society.

Speaking at the OT Forum in Thessaloniki, Mr. Plevris also referred extensively to the government’s next steps in the public health system. Answering a question about the shortage of anesthesiologists in Northern Greece, the minister emphasized that there are shortages both in specialties and in specific areas such as e.g. the islands. For this, as previously announced, the Ministry of Health is preparing a new bill that will provide incentives to specialties and geographical areas, in an effort to prevent the further flight of scientists from the country.

“We need to make the NHS more attractive,” said Mr. Plevris and spoke of a review of the financial terms for those doctors who choose specific specialties or specific regions of the country where there are large shortages.

Assistance from the Recovery Fund

As Mr. Plevris said, until 2025, all ERs will be renovated with money from the Recovery Fund. As the absorption of money is immediate, the logistical infrastructure can be upgraded in hospitals very quickly.

Also, the 157 Health Centers are expected to be strengthened with staff and infrastructure.

Specifically Northern Greece will acquire two new large and modern hospitals with the help of the St. Niarchos Foundation, a general hospital in Komotini and a pediatric hospital in Thessaloniki, both of which have been sited.

Part-time employment in public hospitals

The Minister of Health also referred to the new model of part-time recruitment in public hospitals, where in areas where tenders are declared barren, it will be possible to hire workers for certain hours or days of the week without having to leave their employment in a private health structure .

Mr. Plevris pointed out that the new announcement for part-time positions will bring more flexible working relationships in public hospitals. The plan for private surgeries in the afternoon hours in public hospitals by NHS doctors, which will be paid for by patients but at more affordable prices than in the private sector, is moving in this direction.

Finally, referring to the “personal doctor”, the Minister of Health said that 3,200 doctors of various specialties have already joined the system, while we also have 2 million registrations from citizens. The fee provided amounts to 70,000 euros per year for 7 hours of work or 27,000 euros for 3 hours of work for the EOPYY public health system, while the scheme will officially start its operation from 1/1/2023.