Free Surgeries in Private Hospitals: SMS Campaign Begins for Patients – How to Book Appointments

Patients will start receiving messages on their mobile phones by the end of the week, informing them about free surgeries available. The Ministry of Health has activated its mechanisms for the program offering free surgeries in private hospitals, ensuring not a single euro from the €54 million Recovery Fund is wasted and that as many patients as possible benefit. Since late November 2024, 5,000 afternoon surgeries have been performed in public healthcare facilities, while over 7,500 are already scheduled in private clinics, surpassing the target of 8,000 interventions at no cost to citizens. Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistokleous stated on social media: ‘For the first time, we’re opening the doors of private clinics for free to citizens waiting for surgery. Already, 7,000 free surgeries in private clinics have been secured for the upcoming period.’ Patients need only read the SMS sent to their phones with relevant instructions. Eligible patients are those on public hospital surgery lists waiting more than four months. Selection prioritizes those who have waited the longest. The SMS will include all necessary guidance and a list of available private clinics nationwide. Patients can choose a clinic, contact them directly, and set a surgery date. They can also visit the dedicated platform epemvaseis.gov.gr for further information. By the end of 2025, 34,500 interventions aim to be completed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Deputy Minister Themistokleous emphasized the goal: ‘No one should wait months without surgery.’