PASOK has expressed its intention not to support the Ministry of Health’s amendment that would enable 37,000 free afternoon surgeries in the National Health System (NHS) and to vote against the institution of the personal doctor. This stance was conveyed by PASOK’s representative, Ioannis Tsimaris, during the parliamentary discussion of the bill.

“We disagree,” stated Mr. Tsimaris regarding the afternoon surgeries. He noted, “We had warned you. Not now, in an understaffed system, and not in this way. We want small and medium-sized procedures, not major cancer surgeries. Have the afternoon surgeries you have already introduced reduced the waiting list? How many additional morning operating rooms have you opened in the NHS?”

“For the amendment, we will vote ‘present’,” Mr. Tsimaris said, clarifying PASOK’s final stance on the 37,000 free afternoon surgeries.

Georgiadis’ Reaction

“Just now in Parliament, the representative of @pasok declared that for the ‘amendment on FREE afternoon surgeries, PASOK votes ‘present’… I believe no further comment is needed,” remarked Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.