A comprehensive statement on developments in the healthcare sector, where he serves as the competent minister, as well as on the issue of farmer road blocks, Zoe Konstantopoulou and Maria Karystianos was given by Adonis Georgiadis. Specifically, the Health Minister, speaking to SKAI, discussed the major effort being made to “reduce waiting times in emergency departments.” He then announced two upcoming initiatives.
“After the holidays, I will proceed with two initiatives. I will hold a press conference with a real-time connection to Emergency Departments, so we can see what’s happening in emergency rooms in real time. Second, by February an application will be operational showing real-time waiting times at hospitals so citizens know where to go,” said Mr. Georgiadis, adding:
“This morning I went and received the first renovation projects at the Korgialeneio Emergency Department. The first shift starts today at 2:30 AM and the building is a gem. The other half will be renovated in the coming months and then the Red Cross will look like a palace. Many hospitals were like stables, and we’re renovating them.”
Adonis Georgiadis on his US visit: I saw many stretchers
Subsequently, the Health Minister referred to his presence in the US in recent days: “I visited many large hospitals. I saw many stretchers in the corridors of emergency departments, many. All hospitals had them. When I mentioned this, they replied ‘all emergency departments have stretchers.’ Trump was elected with this banner on pharmaceuticals: to bring drug prices that exist in Europe. They are incredibly expensive in the US. In Greece, drugs are very cheap. Trump has put pressure on pharmaceutical companies. He’s moved toward a logical agreement. Albert Bourla, a Greek who makes us proud and who is president of pharmaceuticals in the US and talks with Trump, has played a role in this agreement.”
Georgiadis attacks Konstantopoulou
Furthermore, asked to comment on his clash with Zoe Konstantopoulou and whether he plans to “bury the hatchet” for the holidays, he said: “Does she understand Christmas and holidays? She’s not affected by such things, this is her permanent state.” He explained: “She’s under great psychological pressure. The potential Karystianos party mainly, not Tsipras’s, will bring major upheaval to the polling picture. This has put pressure on her and she behaves vulgarly. It’s an image of decline, poisoning the country’s image. Some might applaud her populism. This isn’t toughness. Losing control can happen. Being constantly like this is a problem. Whoever approaches her, fights.”
Adonis Georgiadis: Karystianos must decide what she wants, this is all ridiculous
Additionally, regarding Maria Karystianos, Adonis Georgiadis said: “We have democracy, I support participation. Ms. Karystianos must take herself seriously. One day she says she’ll form a party, the next she says she won’t. If you want to, it’s your right, proceed seriously. If you don’t want to, decide. This is all a bit ridiculous,” he emphasized.
Regarding the tax authority’s audit of the Association’s finances, he said: “If someone makes an anonymous complaint, the tax authority goes and audits. Here we have a Plakias making posts with contracts, money, etc. Is it unlikely that an auditor saw Twitter and said let me see what’s happening there? Is this directed by the government?”
Regarding Mr. Anestidis and the farmers’ road blocks, the Health Minister noted: “I don’t know why he’s being audited. The road blocks must stop, they’re unacceptable. They cause serious problems. There are areas like Florina where if they don’t make revenue, they’re destroyed. If you cut them 50% reduction in withholdings, you destroyed them.”
Regarding their demands, he said: “The coordinating body says if there’s no reform transferring from OPEKEPE to the tax authority, they won’t come to dialogue. It’s not their job to say what will happen. I hear they’re protesting embezzled money at OPEKEPE and on the other hand they don’t want reform. These don’t fit together.”
“Every government cannot co-govern with one social group. How subsidies will be provided is the government’s job. If you don’t like it, criticize it, but you can’t say I’m closing the road if it’s not done my way,” the Health Minister characteristically emphasized.
Finally, Adonis Georgiadis referred to the rave party that took place in front of Saint Andrew’s church, saying “I have no problem with music, but not on top of the church. It’s a sacred space.”
