The Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors of Greece (OEGNE) is challenging the recent government directive (5/2/24) that extended the operating hours for surgeries. They are calling for this extension to be revoked and are ready to pursue legal measures against any violations of this policy. Specifically, the Federation is concerned about actions that sidestep the established procedures and oversight of hospital surgery committees, directors, and the scientific leaders of surgical departments.

“OEGNE urges all hospital doctors to join the strike and invites healthcare workers and patients alike to participate in Wednesday’s protest rally at 1:30 p.m. outside the Ministry of Health,” stated the Federation.

The Association of Hospital Doctors of Athens and Piraeus (EINAP), together with the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Union (ADEDY) and the Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDIN), stands in solidarity with this action. They point out that 40% of fully equipped operating rooms remain shut because of shortages in medical staff, especially among anaesthesiologists. This has caused surgery waiting times to stretch beyond two years. “We strongly oppose paid afternoon surgeries that add extra costs for patients and further limit their access to hospital care,” stated representatives from EINAP.

The Union of Hospital Doctors of Thessaloniki (ENITH) is actively participating in the strike and urges involvement in the 1:30 p.m. rally at the Ministry of Health. They condemn the government’s endorsement of private practice for doctors in the afternoon, viewing it as an additional step towards the commodification of healthcare. This, they argue, aggravates existing access challenges and places further strain on already overburdened staff.

Doctors assert that the lengthy surgery waitlists are the direct result of chronic underinvestment and understaffing in the National Health Service, issues that have intensified during the pandemic. “In Thessaloniki hospitals, only 60% of operating theaters are functional in the morning because of staff shortages. Hospitals like Hippocrates and Papanikolaou are so understaffed that they have to reallocate anaesthesiologists and nurses just to keep surgeries going,” they elaborate in their statement.

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