The four scientific societies and associations of Vascular Surgery in Greece sent a letter to the Prime Minister regarding the complaints of the ND MP, Yiannis Kallianos, about the conditions of his father’s hospitalization at the “Attikon” hospital.

The Vascular Surgeons of Greece speak of “cannibalism” at the expense of a group of people who fulfilled their duties and of an “unjust attack by people who take advantage of their powerful political position and their privileged treatment by various media”. They request the intervention of the prime minister to ensure the dignity and safety of health workers, patients and the National Health System.

“It is with concern and disappointment that we have been watching over the last few days the development of an incredible situation of an impermissible attack bordering on “cannibalism” against a group of people who fulfilled their duties. We appeal to you as Greek Vascular Surgeons, expressing our protest against the unjust and unacceptable public attack on a prominent member of ours by people who take advantage of their powerful political position and privileged treatment by various media.”

The loss of a person’s life, they note, is an unspeakably sad situation for those close to him. “And for us, who are the first to come into contact with him, it is a heavy and unbearable event. Respect for ensuring the health of our patients is non-negotiable for us. Vascular surgeons know no timetables or boundaries when it comes to providing help to those who need it, whether working in the National Health System or in the Private Sector.

However, the demand for justice cannot and should not be expressed with threatening or insulting characterizations through the media and social media, especially by people who take advantage of their political and professional status. Any allegation of medical negligence must be investigated, with the independence and respect that any legal process deserves. The decision on who bears responsibility does not belong to politicians or public figures, but to the Greek Justice.”

The Greek Vascular Surgeons continue:

“Mr. Prime Minister,

The blatant, offensive bordering on hubris and unethical treatment of the workers in an Academic Public Hospital by a government MP contributes to the discredit of the National Health System which you are trying to support and improve, it undermines the important role of specialist doctors who form the backbone of our hospitals, invalidates the presence of students in university clinics and the educational process, and leads citizens to lose their hard-won trust in the public health system during the recent health crisis.

As a Society of Vascular Surgery, we are committed to supporting our colleagues and defending the medical profession with respect for human life and our professional ethics. But we seek justice, always with respect for the work and dignity of health professionals.

So please act immediately to ensure the dignity and safety of health workers, patients and the National Health System.”