Hospital Doctors and Health Workers Begin 48-Hour Strike in Greece
Hospital doctors across Greece launched a 48-hour strike on Thursday, demanding improved pay and increased staffing to address the challenges facing the public health system. This industrial action was called by the Federation of Hospital Doctors’ Unions (OENGE).
Rally Outside Health Ministry
The strike includes a planned rally outside the Health Ministry in Athens on Friday.
“The mobilization marks an escalation and a response to attempts to sugarcoat reality,” said OENGE President Yiannis Galanopoulos. “They portray us as a minority of ‘miserable’ people who complain for no reason. But it’s not our attitude that’s miserable – it’s the reality we experience every day in the hospitals.”
Broader Participation from Public Hospital Employees
Alongside doctors, public hospital employees also joined the nationwide walkout on Thursday. They plan to march from Mavili Square to the prime minister’s office and Parliament.
“Patients suffer and their lives are at risk due to systemic inadequacies,” the hospital workers’ federation, POEDIN, stated. “Despite modern equipment, there are not enough hands to operate it.”
Separate Protest by Private Medical Labs
Meanwhile, private medical laboratories will close nationwide on Friday as part of a separate protest against the clawback funding mechanism.
Summary
The strike highlights urgent demands for better working conditions and resources to address critical shortages in Greece’s public health sector.