“I am really trying to convey to the public that I aim to reduce the average waiting time in hospitals from Easter onwards by more than two hours on average,” stressed Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, speaking to Proto Programma about the Ministry’s goal of reducing waiting times in the emergency departments of public hospitals.

Relevant announcements were scheduled for yesterday but were postponed due to national mourning, and they will now take place next week.

“We will hold a press conference on Monday, where we will present our plan and timeline for reducing the average emergency room waiting time within 2025. We will also unveil the new electronic platform for booking doctor appointments,” the Minister stated.

Regarding Patient Tracking in Emergency Departments

Mr. Georgiadis mentioned that this measure will be rolled out in two phases.

“Phase one is for 2025. Phase two is for 2026. In 2025, we’ve already started a pilot program in two hospitals, and we will extend it to many more—eventually to all hospitals—during 2025. The system involves electronic tracking for each patient. When a patient enters the emergency department, they will receive a QR code to scan. This system will track delays at any given point. A red flag will notify hospital management if, for instance, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis has been stuck for more than the allotted time between seeing the physician and getting an MRI scan. If he’s been waiting for two hours while others have been waiting only one, someone will be alerted to investigate what’s causing the delay. That’s the logic behind this tracking system,” explained the Minister.

“In the second phase, next year, when the entire information system is fully operational, we’ll be able to provide this data publicly—not with names, of course, to protect privacy—but patients will be able to know. For example, they’ll see that the average waiting time at the Sismanogleio hospital is 4.5 hours right now, while Evangelismos has a 3-hour wait, and Gennimatas has a 6-hour wait. This way, patients—those who arrive independently and not via ambulance—will have the option to choose which hospital to go to, based on the waiting time,” he added.

On the New System for Scheduling Doctor Appointments at Public Hospitals

Mr. Georgiadis shared the following details:

“It’s a great electronic platform that is already functional—finddoctors.gov.gr. You log in with your Taxis codes and connect. You choose the type of doctor you need—ophthalmologist, cardiologist, general practitioner—you specify your location or where you want to go, and it finds the nearest available appointment. If you want to go to downtown Athens, Thessaloniki, or anywhere else, the system automatically shows you the closest available slot, and you can book it online right away. It’s incredibly simple, and it’s free.”

He addressed concerns about elderly individuals who might not be tech-savvy: “The telephone option is not being eliminated. You can still call your doctor to book an appointment, just like before. The only requirement is that the doctor logs it electronically to ensure they’re compensated by EOPYY. But the platform makes the process so much easier. It’s a fantastic tool, and once people see it on Monday, they’ll wonder why there’s been so much fuss about it. Many thousands have already started using it. This platform will make patients’ lives far easier than you can imagine,” he added.

On International Developments and the Provocative Statements by Trump and Musk

When asked about the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles, Mr. Georgiadis first expressed solidarity:
“We stand in solidarity with the United States, which is currently facing a major trial. These apocalyptic images are heart-wrenching, and I truly hope their authorities can manage the situation as quickly as possible,” he stated.

On the topic of potential geopolitical tension, Mr. Georgiadis downplayed concerns:
“I don’t believe there will be any revisionism in the U.S., no wars with Denmark or Canada, or anything of the sort. Let’s not create unnecessary worries. I found the Danish Foreign Minister’s statement very conciliatory and logical. Greece has a colossal national interest in stability. Greece benefits from peace and suffers from revisionism. Therefore, we must always prioritize Greece’s interests, which align with supporting international law and the post-WWII rules that have brought humanity the priceless gift of peace.”

On Trump:
“I don’t believe any of this. President Trump has his own way of expressing himself. We’ll see what happens when he’s inaugurated and takes over governance. I’m confident he’ll find his footing, as he has before. Let’s not forget, during his previous presidency, Trump didn’t start any wars,” he remarked.

On the Metapneumovirus

The Minister reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm:
“Firstly, reports claiming additional cases have not been confirmed. Relatives of the individual infected with metapneumovirus tested negative; they have type A flu instead. So, there’s no epidemic in Thessaloniki. Let’s not create unnecessary fear where none exists,” he stated.

He added: “This virus exists and is known. While there’s a current spike in China, preliminary data from the WHO suggests last year’s spike was larger than this year’s. So, the reports are somewhat exaggerated. There’s no reason for panic.”

Finally, he noted: “January, post-holiday season, is when we face the greatest pressure from COVID, flu, and RSV. It’s a challenging time, but nothing catastrophic.”

On Political Rivalry

Regarding Ms. Latinopoulou’s remarks about the late former Prime Minister, Mr. Georgiadis called for restraint:
“When someone passes away, especially a former Prime Minister, it is a time for their loved ones to say their farewells with respect,” he emphasized.

On Reports of Direct Communication Between Latinopoulou and the New U.S. Ambassador to Greece

Responding to whether Ms. Latinopoulou is gaining political traction, Mr. Georgiadis said:
“Political careers are judged over time, not in a single moment. In my 18 years as an MP, I’ve seen many form parties, get elected to Parliament, even lead groups, and then disappear. Look at Spartans and Niki from the last elections. Spartans are now polling below 1%, and it’s unclear if Niki will re-enter Parliament. Success once doesn’t establish a lasting political career. Politics requires endurance. This applies to me, Mitsotakis, and Ms. Latinopoulou alike. So, let’s stay calm.”