Greece's Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has highlighted praise for the country’s public healthcare system by sharing a viral video posted by an American tourist who received medical care on the island of Mykonos.
The incident sparked a fresh online debate comparing healthcare accessibility between Europe and the United States.
In a TikTok video reposted by Mr. Georgiadis on platform X, the tourist expressed surprise and appreciation for receiving treatment free of charge.
"I just left the hospital here in Mykonos. They gave me an IV and a whole bag of medicine — and you know how much it cost? Zero dollars. Zero," the tourist says in the clip.
"In the U.S., that would have cost me $400 to $500."
The tourist went on to criticize the American healthcare system, labeling it "a scam."
Mr. Georgiadis responded to the video, commenting: "Let’s also point out the good things. See what an American tourist posted about our healthcare system."
The minister's post comes amid ongoing efforts by the Greek government to modernize its National Health System (ESY).
The system has faced pressure in recent years from staffing shortages and underinvestment, but it continues to provide low-cost or free care to citizens and visitors, particularly in emergencies.
The video, which quickly gained traction online, contributes to a broader discussion about healthcare accessibility in Europe compared to the United States, where millions remain uninsured or underinsured despite high overall healthcare spending.