From day one an effort is made to fill the gaps in human resources and coordination between EKAV and HYPE (Health Districts) highlight Ministry of Health sources, commenting on publicized incidents of delays in transporting patients.

Already, it is emphasized, after the signing of the PNP (Legislative Content Act) 199 people – members crews take over duty after small duration training in 61 regions of the country which are touristic, insular and inaccessible.

At the same time, they established themselves coordination procedures on a daily basis, so that the deficiencies, as far as possible, overlap, note the sources of the Ministry of Health.

The PNP is temporary solution until the launching of our pre-election commitments for the strengthening of the EKAB, the government representative, Pavlos Marinakis, had stated for his part.

Mr. Marinakis had emphasized that if there are no drivers in island or mountainous areas, the Armed Forces or the Fire Brigadea they can allocate their staff until 31/12 of 2023 except apparently from conscripts. In the absence of such personnel, it is possible to second employees from relevant OTAs.

What is provided for in the PNP?

It is noted that in the Act of Legislative Content published in the Government Gazette, issues are regulated to deal with the urgent need to strengthen the staffing of the ambulance crews of the structures of the National Center for Immediate Assistance, the Health Centers and the Multipurpose Regional Clinics of the island and mountainous regions of country.

In particular, in the structures of the EKAV, the Health Centers and the Multipurpose Regional Clinics of the island municipalities of the country, including the municipalities of the Region of Crete and mountainous municipalities where there is no or insufficient staff of the Ambulance Crew or Driver Department for the operation of the ambulances of their vehicles, may be made available, until December 31, 2023, personnel of the Fire Brigade or military personnel of the Armed Forces, excluding conscripts, to perform driver service in the ambulance vehicles of the above structures. The above personnel are available in accordance with the provisions herein, at the request of the structures and decision of the competent body of the institution of origin and as long as the service needs do not prohibit it.

Also, in the event that the staff is not sufficient, it is possible to second employees of the branches and specialties of Guides of the relevant Local Government Organizations. The secondment is carried out following a reasoned request of the structures and a decision of the authorities responsible for the appointment of local government bodies, in derogation of the provisions of Law 4440/2016 (A’ 224), on the Unified Mobility System, and for a period not exceeding 31.12.2023 . Seconded personnel continue to be paid by the originating agency.

The deployed or seconded personnel a driver’s license is required category B’ and to have been trained in basic first aid knowledge. The transfer of patients is carried out: a) in the case of areas of responsibility of the EKAB, with the accompaniment of specialized rescue personnel-ambulance crew, b) in the case of areas of responsibility of the Health Centers and Multipurpose Regional Clinics, with the accompaniment of health personnel of all kinds.

The Ministry of Health, through the EKAB and the relevant Health Regions, as well as the relevant OTAs, ensure the provision of accommodation for the available or seconded staff and are responsible, respectively, for any related expenses. The relevant expense may exceed the upper limits set by the written provisions and up to 150 euros per night with bill rendering.