The extensive list of surgeries within the EASY framework is gradually decreasing. The Ministry of Health has been working since early last year to alleviate congestion in operating theaters, initially by offering both paid and then free evening surgeries in public hospitals. This effort is now extending to include free surgeries in private clinics, all coordinated through a unified NHS surgery list.
The goal of the Health Ministry is to ensure that by year-end, over 105,000 routine surgical cases will not have a waiting period exceeding four months. It’s important to note that this unified list excludes emergency and oncology cases. Currently, 70% of the surgeries awaiting scheduling involve eye cataracts, hip replacements, knee replacements, umbilical hernias, and cholecystectomies.
Since the introduction of afternoon surgeries in the NHS in March 2024—initiated by Minister Adonis Georgiades, who heralded it as “the biggest reform in the NHS”—nearly 10,000 operations, both paid and free, have been completed. This figure is impressive considering the limited resources available in public hospitals, particularly in regional areas, which face shortages of anesthesiologists, nurses, and doctors.
According to data shared with “THEMA,” the overall surgery rate, including both morning and afternoon procedures, is on the rise for 2024 and 2025, largely due to the afternoon surgeries. The Ministry of Health reported that 478,000 surgeries were conducted in 2024, marking a 4% increase from 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, over 136,000 surgeries were performed—a 7.2% rise from 127,000 in the same period the previous year.
“While the situation is improving, it isn’t yet satisfactory. Our aim is for no one to experience prolonged waits for surgery. We’ve significantly reduced wait times and remain dedicated to our plans,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistocleous.
The Afternoon Surge
In public hospitals in 2024, 4,253 paid surgeries have taken place. Most of the prioritized cases date back to 2021 and even from as far back as 2017. Currently, most hospitals have surgeries arranged from 2022 and 2023 onwards.
Free evening surgeries, funded by the Recovery Fund, began in November 2024, temporarily halting paid procedures. Since that launch, 5,577 free evening surgeries have been completed within the NHS, including 1,500 in late 2024 and the remainder in the current year.
These complimentary surgeries are available in all Health Care Regions (HCRs) across the nation to meet patient needs as effectively as possible. However, participation is limited to about half of the public hospitals—65 out of 130. The Health Ministry aims to conduct 37,500 free evening surgeries by the end of 2025.
Of the afternoon surgeries performed, a quarter are general surgeries (such as umbilical hernias and cholecystectomies), while 22% are ophthalmological procedures and 21% are orthopedic. The top five afternoon surgeries also include otolaryngology (9%) and vascular surgery (6%). The remaining 16% encompasses various specialties like gynecology, urology, neurosurgery, maxillofacial, plastic, and thoracic surgeries.
Private Clinics
As of early May, the third phase of the surgery clearance initiative has begun, involving free operations in private clinics. To date, over 100 operations have been conducted, and another 7,000 surgeries have been arranged at these facilities.
Eligible candidates from the NHS surgery list receive a text message regarding their opportunity for a surgery at a private clinic. Notifications are prioritized based on how long patients have been waiting, with those awaiting over four months receiving first consideration. After receiving the message, patients can visit the designated website (epemvaseis.gov.gr) for further information and guidance.
Compensations for Staff
Meanwhile, the Federation of Greek Hospital Doctors’ Associations (OENGE) has voiced concerns regarding surgeons being required to travel outside their home hospitals for operations. The Union of Athens-Piraeus Hospital Doctors (EINAP) is advocating for the opening of 100 closed surgical rooms in Attica with the hiring of permanent staff.
Protests have also arisen over delays in compensating healthcare professionals engaged in evening surgeries. Issues have been noted in certain hospitals, including “Papanikolaou”, Attikon, Larissa University Hospital, and Sismanoglio, prompting the Health Ministry to take action towards a resolution.
So far, medical personnel involved in evening surgeries have received payments for November and December 2024, totaling over 500,000 euros. Payments for the initial two months of the year are set to commence shortly, according to the ministry.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
