On the evening of Monday, 22 June 2026, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis joined Stefanos Kasselakis — leader of the centrist party ‘Democrats’ — for a live online discussion focused on Greece’s public healthcare system. The event was framed as a direct, citizen-inclusive democratic dialogue — face-to-face and unmediated.
‘The ESY Will Be There for You’
Opening the conversation, Georgiadis addressed Kasselakis directly: “If you ever need the National Healthcare System (ESY), the ESY will be there for you. I sincerely hope you never fall ill — but if you do, we’ll take care of you. Don’t worry.”
He underscored the scale and accessibility of the system, noting that the ESY handles approximately 85,000 health incidents daily — all free of charge. “That’s why I ask you not to undermine the ESY,” he urged.
Staff Shortages Remain Key Challenge
Georgiadis identified staffing shortages as the system’s most pressing issue — particularly the lack of nurses, followed by a shortage of doctors. To improve access, he highlighted digital tools: residents in major urban centres can book appointments via the official ‘New Appointment’ app within days, while the national helpline 1566 facilitates around 400,000 appointments per month.
Tackling the ‘Envelope Culture’
When asked about informal payments — colloquially known as “fakelaki” (literally “little envelope”) — Georgiadis acknowledged its existence but stressed it is not unique to Greece. “I personally dislike it,” he said. “We’re addressing it through two main actions: First, we’ve slashed waiting times for elective surgery by 92% — so there’s no longer justification for offering an envelope. Second, we’ve allowed ESY doctors to perform private work, helping them earn fairer incomes and reducing incentives for under-the-table payments.”
He added that verified reports of such practices lead to immediate disciplinary action.