Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous emphasized the importance of protective measures against the heatwave and the need for citizens to follow them, stressing that the National Health System (ESY) remains on high alert. He presented a positive picture, saying that despite rising temperatures, no significant increase has been observed in cases reaching hospital emergency departments.
Meanwhile, he warned that temperatures will rise further in the coming days, reminding citizens of the circular issued by the Health Ministry with guidelines for the elderly, vulnerable groups, and young children.
Themistocleous: Healthcare system evaluation
He emphasized that avoiding sun exposure and staying in air-conditioned spaces are the basic measures citizens should follow, Minister Themistocleous said speaking to “Mega” television. He stressed that those with other health problems should consult with their personal doctors.
Regarding the operation of Primary Health Units (TEP), he noted that significant reorganization has taken place with multiple benefits for patients. Concerning healthcare service evaluation, he explained that “all those hospitalized in public hospitals receive, upon discharge after a few days, an SMS with a link. It takes 3 minutes and has 35 questions. We get the real picture from someone who has experienced the hospital. To have meaningful results, we need more time. This evaluation is not opinion polling; it’s a management tool. There’s a platform that collects all the data. The hospital director, Regional Health Authority, and Health Ministry have access to this data.”
Themistocleous: Ten additional ambulances in Attica – The “1566” hotline
Minister Themistocleous also referenced system preparations for the summer period and increased need for island transfers: “We have a much better picture this year compared to previous years. Of the 300 positions that repeatedly went unfilled for the last 10-15 years, two-thirds have been covered. At EKAB (National Emergency Medical Service), we have hired paramedics and significantly increased shifts, thus greatly enhancing EKAB’s operational capacity. For air medical transport, we have one additional aircraft from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation donation, which means doubling air medical transfers, a helicopter in Paros in cooperation with the Velentzeio Foundation, and a helicopter from the upcoming National Bank donation that will be stationed in Rhodes.” He added that “in Attica, we’ve added 10 more ambulances. Right now, for the first time, we will exceed 65-67 ambulances in morning and evening shifts. A program that completely changes the distribution method and greatly reduces patient suffering. Some problems observed in specific areas occur because we have very high public participation.”
Finally, regarding the operation of the 1566 telephone hotline, he noted: “1566 is the way to make the National Health System more accessible to everyone. 1566 covers all questions except medical ones. For example, if I want to book an appointment with an endocrinologist in Attica, 1566 will help you. In the coming months, all National Health System services will be integrated, so only one number remains.”
