A letter of gratitude was sent to the mayor of Lipsi, Fotis Maggos, by the mother of a 12-year-old boy who, while staying on the island a few weeks ago, was diagnosed by the island’s rural doctor as having diabetes mellitus.

Until then, neither the mother nor the family knew about the condition. The incident led to the immediate mobilisation of the Ministry of Health’s emergency mechanisms, and the 12-year-old was safely transported first by boat from Lipsi to the hospital of Leros, and then by Chinook helicopter to Rhodes, where he received the necessary care.

As the mayor notes in the letter that arrived from Switzerland, the boy’s mother, Maria Pinardi, writes among other things that Greece has highly capable doctors and a national health system that does not look at the patient’s wallet, but at the person themselves.

A few weeks earlier, in Lipsi, rural doctor Giorgos Kalogerakos diagnosed diabetes in a child who, until then, neither he nor his mother knew he was suffering from.

Such moments show the value of human life and the dedication of those who serve their profession with commitment, the mayor concludes.

In the same letter, Maria Pinardi also thanks the residents of Lipsi who supported them in every possible way during the difficult days she and Carlo went through.

The Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, also commented on the case, writing:
“From the letter sent by Carlo’s mother from Switzerland to the Mayor of Lipsi. Read what she says, and how significantly more generous the Greek National Health System is compared to Switzerland’s health system. I have been saying it repeatedly: anyone who criticises the NHS all day, if they were to be treated for a day in Northern Europe, would come running back to the Greek NHS. By far the most generous health system in Europe…”

The mother’s letter

“Dear Fotis,

I am writing these lines in German, but my lawyer will translate them into Greek. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, as well as so many people from Lipsi. You all supported us incredibly during Carlo’s serious health issue.

And when I say ‘incredibly,’ I truly mean it. I was deeply moved and positively surprised by how much support we received and how many times I felt your practical help. You, Fotis, spoke with me many times and personally ensured we could see a specialist – I understood how difficult that was in such a short time, as you had to deal with many refusals. And all this while we barely knew each other beyond a simple ‘hello.’

And then the people of Lipsi: for example, a family who happened to be in Rhodes came to visit us and brought us fresh homemade food so we could have something healthy.

Many friends and acquaintances from Lipsi constantly messaged us, asking how we were and offering help. They knew we had to leave our rented studio in a hurry to go to hospital. They even urgently sent us essential items via courier by boat so we could take them to Switzerland.

I have never experienced such willingness to help and human warmth – it moved me deeply. Even the fact that the island’s doctor immediately recognised the situation and organised the transfer to Rhodes was remarkable. I have no words, only gratitude.

The transport was also impressive: ambulance to the port, military vessel to Leros, and from there a Chinook helicopter to Rhodes. Despite the shock, everyone was extremely kind and supportive, and Carlo has kept a positive memory of it all.

As a Swiss citizen, I was truly surprised by how well emergency healthcare works – and above all that everything is done for the benefit of the child and the mother. Cost was not the priority, as I am used to in Switzerland.

In Rhodes hospital, discussions began about our return to Switzerland. I realised for the first time how differently Switzerland works: there was disagreement between doctors about whether Carlo should travel alone or with me. The Greek paediatric doctors insisted he must travel with me, while Swiss authorities tried to push for a cheaper solution.

They even made a young doctor cry, while the senior doctor kept repeating: ‘He must be transferred with his mother – full stop.’ It was very difficult for me to witness.

The doctors in Rhodes told me: ‘Now we understand why you are so rich in Switzerland – you try to save money everywhere, even at the expense of patients.’ Eventually, our insurance arranged our return, but only because the Greek doctors insisted.

I mention all this because I know you are a politician and the Greek health system is often criticised. I can only say a huge thank you to you and everyone involved.

Even in hospital, Carlo was treated with great flexibility – he could choose his meals, rest more, etc. Everyone showed great understanding toward me as well.

Finally, I would like to say that we were eventually picked up from Rhodes by a very kind Swiss team, which helped us forget the difficulties. However, there remains a bitter feeling, as without the insistence of the Greek doctors, we would not have received the same help.

I have learned that I am not the only one who has experienced something like this. There are other Swiss citizens who, despite insurance, struggle to be repatriated after medical incidents abroad.

I hope we will soon return healthy to Lipsi so that we can thank you in person.

With warm regards,
Maria”