A joint ministerial decision by the Finance and Health ministries, published in the Government Gazette, allows private doctors of all specialties to use public hospital facilities to treat their own patients. [1], [2]
Under contracts signed with hospital administrations, private physicians may work in outpatient clinics, carry out diagnostic tests, therapeutic and interventional procedures outside regular hours, and perform surgeries or other medical services.
Depending on the contract, doctors will pay hospitals for the use of infrastructure, equipment, and any staff they require.
Private doctors may also participate in on-call duty rosters if they choose.
Eligible applicants must be active members of the local Medical Association where they intend to work, hold a valid professional license and specialty title, and be up to date with tax and social security obligations.
Remuneration for their services will be paid either by patients through the hospital or via the patients’ insurance, depending on the case.
Participating doctors are required to have a professional liability insurance policy with a recognized insurer in Greece, covering at least €100,000 per claim and €1 million annually.
Officials say the measure aims to increase flexibility in the public health system, while critics warn it could blur the lines between public and private healthcare provision.
