Because of the persistently high number of coronavirus infections and the exhaustion of doctors in state hospitals, Greece has hired freelance medical professionals.
The government in Athens published a corresponding decree today. The Ministry of Health had previously stated that 200 medical professionals would be needed to relieve the health system. An appeal to volunteer was followed by only 61 until yesterday evening, according to a TV report.
Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said: “Unfortunately, only a small number came forward. We are now obliging the doctors to serve in order to strengthen the hospitals. ”In view of the pandemic, the government had already created the legal basis last year. The Emergency Act also allows private clinics to be held accountable.
The number of new infections in Greece has risen unchecked in the past few weeks despite strict measures. Experts suspect that many people are increasingly meeting without precautionary measures. Yesterday, the health authority registered 1,514 new infections within 24 hours. The number of patients who have to be ventilated rose to 674. This means that the intensive care beds are almost completely occupied.
