The Medical Association of Kalymnos issues an urgent appeal to the Governor of the 2nd Health District, warning of a looming healthcare crisis in Leros and Astypalaia starting January 1, 2026.
In Leros, the sole nephrologist serving the Hemodialysis Unit—treating roughly 15 patients daily—is scheduled to leave on 31/12/2025, endangering patients’ health and forcing families to relocate. A one-year extension of his contract is requested. The Association also asks for the one-year extension of the hospital’s only internal medicine director, as a single physician cannot meet the needs of 8,000 residents plus a large migrant population.
In Astypalaia, they request the extension of the island’s only general practitioner, noting that no replacement is available.
The Board of the Medical Association unanimously stresses that without immediate action, the new year will bring severe disruptions to healthcare services.
