Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new financial incentive to attract and retain doctors in underserved or remote areas of Greece.
The bonus will range from 200 to 600 euros per month, depending on the region and specialty. This is a positive step towards improving healthcare access in these areas.
In an announcement on social media, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the government's priority to support public healthcare, particularly through measures aimed at attracting doctors to remote and underserved areas of Greece.
His statement comes just two days before the official unveiling of new policies at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)..
In his post, Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the National Health System (ESY), acknowledging longstanding challenges.
He expressed determination to overcome these issues and deliver a healthcare system that meets the expectations of all citizens.
He wrote: "In two days, I will have the opportunity at TIF to present specific measures and policies for the coming period. However, today I want to focus on something very important—the necessary support for ESY doctors.
Through the joint ministerial decision signed today, we are introducing additional financial incentives to attract and retain doctors in problematic or remote areas. This new allowance will start at €200 and, for certain specialties, may reach up to €600 per month, depending on the area they serve."
Earlier, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis detailed these measures, noting that doctors working in health facilities in "Category A" underserved areas will receive a monthly incentive of €300, while those in "Category B" areas will receive €200.
For doctors in specific specialties, the bonus will be even higher, reflecting the critical need for healthcare services in these regions.
The initiative marks a substantial increase compared to current allowances, which provide only €800-1000 annually for Category A areas and €500 for Category B.
The decision is seen as a decisive step in addressing staffing shortages in the regional healthcare facilities of the ESY.