It bothers me when the public debate about healthcare on our island becomes consumed by sarcasm, confrontation and silence. Behind the announcements, inaugurations and meetings are people who need medical care. And they deserve clear answers.
Following the inauguration of the new Cardiology Department at Vouvaleio Hospital, established in the space that housed the COVID ward during the pandemic, in the presence of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, a question entered the public debate: “Who will operate the new cardiology equipment?”
The question is legitimate. Every citizen has the right to know whether an upgraded facility has the staff it needs to function. But when the question is accompanied by sarcastic remarks and implies that there is no cardiologist available to use the equipment, creating an impression takes precedence over informing the public.
According to our reporting, two cardiologists in private practice on the island have signed contracts to work with the hospital. The absence of permanently appointed cardiologists is therefore not the same as having no doctors of that specialty available at all. This is a substantial distinction, and we have a duty to explain it to the public.
This, of course, does not relieve the state of its responsibility to provide permanent staff. These contracts must be assessed on the basis of the coverage they actually deliver: on which days, during which hours, for which services and with what continuity. Having two collaborating cardiologists does not automatically resolve every question about the department’s operation. It does, however, answer the claim that there is nobody to use the equipment.
The new equipment was donated by siblings Katerina and Ilias Kathopoulis in memory of their parents. Such a contribution deserves respect and must be put to meaningful use.
Personally, I would have expected at least one of the two collaborating cardiologists to attend the inauguration. To explain what the equipment offers, how it will be used and what patients can expect. Their presence, wearing a white coat and, above all, speaking with medical expertise, would have provided a concrete answer to the public questioning.
From what we observed, neither was present. I do not know the reasons, and I will not speculate about their motives. I do believe, however, that an opportunity was missed to inform the public and support the hospital’s efforts. When a new department is presented, its operating plan should be explained just as clearly. Citizens need to know how they will receive care the day after the inauguration.
The same need for clear answers exists within the Medical Association of the Kalymnos District, following the issue concerning the secretary’s access to the records relevant to his duties.
Article 312 of Law 4512/2018 assigns the secretary responsibility for preparing the minutes of Board and General Assembly meetings, maintaining the membership register and keeping the books necessary for the Association’s operation, excluding those of the Treasury. The institutional question remains entirely straightforward: how can a secretary maintain the books and register without the access needed to do so?
In my view, assigning a responsibility presupposes giving someone the practical means to fulfil it. If access depends each time on the presence of other Board members, the basis and purpose of that requirement need to be explained. Procedures for protecting records should facilitate the Association’s proper operation. When they end up obstructing the performance of duties, they need to be reconsidered.
According to information obtained through our reporting, even the President of the Panhellenic Medical Association, Matina Pagoni, intervened, recommending that the secretary’s work should not be obstructed. The substance of the matter, however, lies in the institution’s own obligations and the answers its Board owes.
The Medical Association has responsibilities concerning the protection of public health, oversight of the medical profession, maintenance of registers, medical ethics and support for its members. To fulfil that mission, it must first operate with transparency, clearly defined responsibilities and respect for elected roles.
I am not equating the two cases. I do, however, see a shared requirement: everyone must assume their own responsibilities and provide explanations when public trust is shaken.
I want a Medical Association that can carry out its work without internal obstacles. Doctors who contribute their expertise to the public debate. And political figures who press for better healthcare with evidence to support their arguments.
I will continue to call for permanent staffing and adequate coverage for our hospital. I will also acknowledge every real improvement and every contribution that benefits patients. Journalistic scrutiny must uphold both responsibilities.
Because the patient who walks through the doors of Vouvaleio needs a doctor, functioning equipment and timely care. That is the standard by which we will all be judged.
