At risk of suspension of regular surgeries leads the lack of anesthesiologists at the Papanikolaou hospital, as reported by Association of Hospital Doctors of Thessaloniki (ENITH). According to the president of ENITH, Christos Karachristos, the vacancies at the Hospital are of the order of 75% as there are only seven anesthetists left for the 26 organic positions, with the consequence that the wait for surgeries, depending on the case, ranges from one month to two years. “This results in many patients going to the private sector or other centers” Mr. Karachristos told reporters in the context protest performance at the entrance of Papanikolaou.

“Papanicolaou is broadcasting an SOS right now. We are working at 40% capacity for surgeries and this results in longer waits” he added, noting that the solution is mass permanent recruitment to fill all positions, providing salary and training incentives for doctors to come to hospitals, safety and reducing work intensification.