State hospitals paralyzed by shortages and a lack of maintenance

Greek state hospitals have old and faulty medical equipment, while building facilities are in a state of disrepair due to a lack of funding, according to the federation representing Greece’s public hospital workers (POEDIN), which says that some hospitals are even forced to borrow supplies from other medical centers.

According to the union, hospitals will, in 2016, receive 2 billion euros in state funds and arrears, representing 1.3 percent of GDP, compared to 3 percent which is the European Union average.

“Hospitals are unable to purchase medicines, sanitary and surgical supplies. Hospitalized patients purchase their medications, syringes, cotton and surgical spirits, from private pharmacies, and bring sheets and blankets from home," POEDIN said, citing the example of the troubled Alexandra General Hospital in Athens whose radiotherapy machine does not work properly, and the Eleni Venizelou which is forced to borrow supplies from nearby hospitals.