Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will address a major health policy conference in Athens on Monday, where he is expected to defend his government’s aggressive modernization strategy for the National Health System (ESY) amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and medical unions.
Mr. Mitsotakis is scheduled to speak at the "Health Above All" conference, engaging in a public discussion with journalist Nikos Chatzinikolaou.
The appearance follows his Sunday tour of the newly renovated Markopoulo Health Center, which officials touted as a model for the €650 million infrastructure overhaul currently underway nationwide.
During the visit, Mr. Mitsotakis highlighted the launch of "Mobile Health Teams" (KOY), a new initiative designed to bring medical care directly to patients’ homes.
"This is a completely innovative initiative," Mr. Mitsotakis said, noting that the program aims to reduce hospital congestion and support citizens with mobility issues."In Markopoulo, we see practically how European resources are being utilized to provide citizens with the infrastructure they deserve."
The government’s narrative of progress faces stiff resistance.
The main opposition party, Pasok, and the leftist Syriza party have slammed the administration’s policies, citing chronic understaffing and low wages that have triggered recent strikes.
Hospital unions have dismissed recent government visits as "media stunts" that obscure the reality of exhausted frontline staff.
Monday’s conference will bring together Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, policymakers, and industry leaders to debate the future of the ESY, focusing on digital transformation, funding sustainability, and the integration of artificial intelligence in patient care.