Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis issued an urgent appeal for influenza vaccinations on Monday, warning that a powerful second wave of the virus is forecast to hit Greece in February.
Mr. Georgiadis stressed that the current week is the final window for citizens to build immunity before the surge arrives.
“The flu has arrived with a very strong wave this year,” Mr. Georgiadis said. “Vaccines are available and free. You go to your pharmacy, give your social security number, get vaccinated and leave.”
Addressing persistent strain on the public health system, the minister announced plans to hire 5,000 permanent health workers this year. He also guaranteed that auxiliary contract staff would have their contracts renewed annually, dismissing fears of layoffs.
“If we had to choose between staff and infrastructure, staff comes first,” Mr. Georgiadis stated, noting the utilization of EU Recovery Fund resources.
The minister also commented on reports that Maria Karystianou, a vocal advocate for victims of the 2023 Tempe train disaster, intends to form a political party. Mr. Georgiadis challenged Mrs. Karystianou to broaden her platform beyond the tragedy.
“Her politics cannot be only about Tempe,” he said. “She will have to present her program and her political positions.”
Regarding diabetes care, Mr. Georgiadis defended the shift toward reimbursing glucose monitoring devices over test strips, arguing the newer technology offers better health outcomes despite initial supply hurdles.