Mitsotakis visit to Magnesia: “When citizens have access to quality healthcare, they are more likely to stay in their hometowns”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the significance of regional healthcare during his visit to Magnesia, stating that “when citizens in the regions have access to quality health services, they are more likely to stay in their hometowns.”

Tour of the Renovated Velestino Health Center

On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, accompanied by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Deputy Minister Irini Agapidaki, visited the fully revitalized Velestino Health Center. This center underwent its first modernization since the 1980s, funded by Recovery Fund resources.

During the visit, Mitsotakis engaged with the medical staff and commended the rapid progress of the project. “The community knows better than I do the condition this center was in a year ago. Today, they have access to a facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed appropriately,” he remarked.

He highlighted that this initiative is part of a larger plan to upgrade 160 health centers across Greece, emphasizing, “This illustrates our government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare, particularly in primary care.”

Mitsotakis also emphasized the significance of the “Prolampo” preventive health initiative, which has seen increased public participation. “We must focus on preventing illness before it arises, primarily through proactive screenings,” he said.

Linking Quality Healthcare to Regional Development

The Prime Minister noted that enhancing primary healthcare in rural areas can address Greece’s demographic issues. “When people feel they have access to quality healthcare, they are more inclined to stay or return to their hometowns rather than relocate to urban centers,” he explained.

As he concluded his visit, he expressed gratitude to everyone involved, stating, “Let’s hope the center isn’t needed often, but it exists for an important purpose — to serve the community.”

Support for Agricultural Cooperatives

Earlier, Mitsotakis visited the Agricultural Wine Cooperative of Nea Anchialos “Dimitra,” praising the cooperative’s 107-year heritage and their resilience following natural disasters.

Touring the wine and tsipouro distilleries with Thessaly Regional Governor Dimitris Kouretas, he observed the restored facilities, which received state support. Deputy Agriculture Minister Dionysis Stamenitis updated him on the government’s assistance measures.

“Our government believes that cooperatives are the future of Greece’s agricultural sector,” Mitsotakis stated. “After two years of disaster, we had a responsibility to support the affected communities, and I’m gratified to see this cooperative flourishing once again.”

Inspection of Infrastructure Restoration Projects

The Prime Minister inspected ongoing infrastructure projects to address damage from extreme weather events Daniel and Elias. He assessed repairs to roads and streams being carried out by TERNA as part of Thessaly’s regional restoration efforts, and received updates on progress and timelines.

Visit to the Ancient Temple of Thaulios Zeus

To wrap up his visit, Mitsotakis explored the ancient temple of Thaulios Zeus, where archaeologists shared insights about recent discoveries at the site.