The unprecedented for our country not only left huge problems in the houses and infrastructure of Thessaly, but conditions that seriously endanger the health of the citizens in the region and require immediate treatment. Thousands of drowned animals are decomposing in the runoff from the deluge, the mud, the stagnant polluted water, but also the unfit water for domestic use, pose a great threat to the health of the inhabitants and the effects can be very serious.

The Ministry of Health reacted immediately to address these problems. The Deputy Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki was in the affected areas from the first moment and is coordinating a series of actions aimed at dealing with the risks to public health and protecting the population of the Region. Health services are on heightened alert.

In an interview with APE-MBE, the Deputy Minister of Health analyzes the planning of the Ministry of Health, stressing: “We have developed the Public Health Coordination Center at the University of Thessaly, in the regional laboratory of the EODY and we meet on a daily basis with all the agencies involved, in order to assess immediately the situation per region – each region has its own characteristics – and to take the necessary protection measures in a targeted manner based on the needs that arise”.

Priority is the protection of citizens’ health and it is necessary to take measures and observe personal protection rules. To date, the main health problems are gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Citizens visit the 26 structures in the region for health issues and, in addition, they begin planned and systematic visits to each affected village, with mobile units of the EODY and teams of doctors from the Primary Health Care of the 5th Ministry of Health, in order to provide health care to every citizen who is in need.

“So far, from the epidemiological data we have, there is no reason to panic. Of course we are not complacent, we are constantly monitoring the situation” notes Mrs. Agapidaki.

He also emphasizes that the Ministry of Health is also trying to provide psychological support to those affected.