Speaking to the radio station Parapolitika 90.1, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis addressed recent developments surrounding Libya’s diplomatic note and Greece’s energy claims, as well as new initiatives from the Health Ministry — including public hospital evaluations by patients and the operation of the new 1566 helpline aimed at simplifying citizens’ interaction with the national healthcare system (ESY).
On Libya’s Diplomatic Note
Regarding Libya’s recent démarche, Georgiadis stated:
“We are not afraid. Libya is negotiating — no one seriously believes this will come to fruition. Their claims extend up to 3 miles off Crete, clearly an exaggerated move, obviously aimed at serving Turkey. I’m confident that Mr. Gerapetritis’ trip will clarify things. Greece has already moved forward in practice — we’re not waiting on Libya, Turkey, or anyone. The blocks have been announced, licenses have been issued, companies have arrived — life moves on.”
On Concerns About U.S. Companies Pulling Out
When asked if he was concerned that U.S. companies might withdraw due to Libya’s note, Georgiadis replied:
“Absolutely not. Greece’s actions are based on the maps published by PASOK minister Mr. Maniatis in 2011. Since then, the first government to take real steps regarding EEZ, research, tenders, and energy — whether people like it or not — is the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. To be fair, the Samaras government wanted and initiated it, but it was overthrown. The Tsipras–Kammenos government came in with an agenda to declare EEZs and 12 nautical miles everywhere, yet five years passed and they did absolutely nothing.”
“In six years, the Mitsotakis government has signed the EEZ agreement with Italy, the EEZ agreement with Egypt, announced blocks along the median line with Libya, and is moving forward with the Kasos power cable project. Others talk big and pretend to be lions, but we are doing the real work where it matters — in the real world. So, to the ‘worried’ and the critics: Greece does not back down from any of its sovereign rights. Not backing down doesn’t mean acting like bullies or shouting about it. We stand firm in reality, on the ground — not on Twitter.”
On Hospital Evaluation by Patients
Georgiadis also discussed the new patient-based evaluation system for public hospitals:
“I’m very proud. I consider today a milestone day for ESY. This was an idea I had 11 years ago during my previous term, but back then, the technology wasn’t there. Now it is. The system applies to patients who have been hospitalized for at least one day. Starting today, five days after discharge, they’ll receive a message on their mobile phone asking them to fill out a survey.”
The survey includes 34 multiple-choice questions covering the full hospitalization experience — from satisfaction and admission, to ER wait times, access to CT scans, room cleanliness, nurse presence, and more.
“It’s a full x-ray of the system from the patient’s perspective. The questions were developed in collaboration with the Hellenic Patients’ Association to cover all possible dysfunctions.”
He also mentioned that each hospital’s satisfaction score will be published, fostering a “healthy competition” among hospitals.
On the New 1566 Helpline
Regarding the new 1566 helpline, Georgiadis announced:
“Today we’re announcing it; tomorrow it goes live. All existing health-related phone lines — except 166 — are being replaced by one unified number: 1566.”
Through 1566, citizens will be able to:
- Book appointments at hospitals and Health Centers
- Schedule home delivery of medication
- Book appointments with EOPYY doctors
- Schedule diagnostic tests
- Ask general health-related questions
“Everything related to health services will be handled through 1566. This line is free of charge for all citizens.”
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