Konsolas Proposes More EKAV Bases, Ambulances and Staff
Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas has submitted a proposal to the Minister of Health calling for a comprehensive reorganisation of Greece’s National Emergency Assistance Centre (EKAV) services on Rhodes.
His plan includes the creation of additional operational bases, a new organisational structure and increased numbers of ambulances and personnel to ensure effective emergency coverage across the entire island.
The parliamentary intervention follows the recent decision to relocate the Soroni EKAV base to Rhodes International Airport, a move that prompted strong reactions from local residents and community organisations.
Konsolas argued that conditions have changed considerably since emergency services on the island were initially planned. Population growth, rapid tourism development and the long distances between communities have, he said, significantly increased the demand for emergency pre-hospital care.
His proposal calls for an EKAV base to remain in Soroni, alongside a base in Emponas, ensuring coverage for the northwestern part of Rhodes.
He also proposes the operation of a separate emergency base at Rhodes International Airport during the tourist season, when passenger traffic and the number of visitors increase substantially.
The plan further calls for a stronger EKAV presence in Emponas, Archangelos—where health centres operate—and South Rhodes. Konsolas highlighted the rapid tourism growth and increasing population in the southern part of the island, as well as its considerable distance from Rhodes Town.
Addressing the transfer of the Soroni unit, the Dodecanese MP acknowledged that the airport—one of Greece’s largest regional airports—must have adequate emergency coverage. He stressed, however, that meeting the airport’s needs should not leave a large geographical area of Rhodes without rapid access to an ambulance.
Through his parliamentary intervention, Konsolas is calling for a new operational model that reflects the island’s current needs and guarantees faster emergency response times for both permanent residents and the thousands of visitors Rhodes welcomes each year.
