Speaking at the central headquarters of Greece’s Emergency Response System (EKAB) in Athens on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis launched a direct critique of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis — accusing him of turning the ministry into a propaganda tool amid ongoing controversies over fake news surrounding PASOK’s stance on hazardous and unhealthy work conditions.
A Focus on Crisis and Staff Concerns
Androulakis’ visit formed part of PASOK’s broader tour of healthcare facilities across the Athens basin. At EKAB, he met with staff and management to hear firsthand about persistent challenges: chronic understaffing, outdated organizational structures, procurement delays, and the urgent need to renew the agency’s aging fleet of emergency vehicles.
Describing the National Healthcare System (ESY) as being in a “critical and difficult state”, Androulakis stressed that thousands of citizens are forced daily to pay steep fees for services that should be fully covered by the public system — effectively shifting the burden of healthcare failure onto households.
“ESY Needs Renewal”
Highlighting Greece’s position among the highest in Europe for out-of-pocket health expenditures, Androulakis linked rising private costs to growing inequality and affordability pressures. “For us, the priority is the renewal and strengthening of the National Healthcare System,” he said, adding that social justice cannot exist without a robust welfare state.
He expressed gratitude to EKAB personnel for their daily efforts — but went beyond symbolic appreciation. Androulakis recalled that PASOK had submitted amendments on the classification of EKAB staff and nurses under hazardous and unhealthy work conditions 24 times over six years. According to him, New Democracy repeatedly rejected the proposal — only introducing similar legislation later under mounting public pressure. Yet, he claimed, the government then attempted to misrepresent PASOK’s role, falsely suggesting the party had not supported the eventual regulation.
Calling Out Disinformation
“We will not allow the Ministry of Health to become Adonis Georgiadis’ ministry of propaganda,” Androulakis declared, calling for the resignation of a specific advisor to the health minister over the spread of disinformation in Greek society.