“No Support for Island Nurses, Ambulance Crews and Teachers”
Manolis Volos, representing the regional group “Open Horizons in the South Aegean,” has criticised the South Aegean Regional Authority, claiming that a decision to provide a €300 housing allowance to nursing staff and National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) ambulance crews serving on the islands has still not been implemented.
He also points out that no announcement has been made regarding similar financial support for substitute and newly appointed teachers, despite what he describes as earlier assurances from the Regional Authority.
Volos recalls that Article 32 of Law 4483/2017 allows first- and second-level local authorities to provide financial allowances to several categories of public-sector employees, including doctors, nurses, EKAB crews, substitute teachers in primary and secondary education, as well as Special Educational Personnel and Special Support Personnel.
€300 housing allowance decision remains unimplemented
According to his statement, the South Aegean Regional Council decided on 10 October 2024 to grant a €300 housing allowance to nursing staff and EKAB crews working on the region’s islands. Volos claims, however, that the measure has yet to be put into effect.
He also refers to a question he raised during an accountability session on 25 October 2024 concerning the implementation of the legislation for substitute teachers, Special Educational and Support Personnel, and newly appointed primary and secondary school teachers.
According to Volos, the Deputy Regional Governor responsible for Education and Lifelong Learning stated at the time that the Regional Authority intended to address the matter and that announcements were expected soon.
“Almost two years later, the necessary decisions have not been made”
Volos is bringing the issue back into the spotlight almost two years later, at a time when, as he argues, the public healthcare system on the islands continues to operate largely because of the commitment of its staff.
His intervention also comes shortly before newly appointed teachers and the first group of substitute teachers take up their posts for the new school year.
Meanwhile, the prolonged housing crisis affecting the islands for more than five years continues to make it increasingly difficult for healthcare and education professionals to find affordable accommodation.
Volos concludes by accusing the Regional Authority of failing to move forward with the necessary procedures and decisions to provide practical support to healthcare and education personnel serving on the islands of the South Aegean.
