Immediate Intervention by the Ministry of Health and Minister Adonis Georgiadis
A particularly serious allegation regarding a demand for a bribe by a doctor at a Regional Hospital in the country has sparked a strong reaction from the Ministry of Health and Minister Adonis Georgiadis himself, who publicly pledged that the case will not go unpunished.
According to the complaint, which the Minister shared via a post on his personal account on the platform X (formerly Twitter), a patient who had come to the hospital with a kidney stone was informed by the attending surgeon that in order to proceed with the necessary operation, he would have to pay €100 “under the table.” The patient, initially taken aback, pretended he would return with the money but ultimately decided not to comply and told the doctor he would not pay.
When the operation eventually took place—with the participation of other doctors—and complications arose, the same doctor reportedly insulted and humiliated the patient in front of the surgical staff, demanding an apology and uttering vulgar remarks. The doctor allegedly stated that he “does not need the money” and that the patient “can now put it where the sun doesn’t shine.”
Even more worrying is the fact that, according to the patient, in the following days he received indirect threats to keep silent, with veiled references to involvement of third parties (“Albanians”) to “settle matters.” The patient officially reported the incident to the hospital administrator, who initiated procedures to conduct a formal Administrative Inquiry (EDE).
The Ministry of Health acted swiftly. Adonis Georgiadis declared that the complaint would be forwarded immediately to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for criminal investigation. If the allegations are confirmed, the doctor will be removed from the National Health System (ESY), and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated for revocation of his medical license by the Medical Association.
The Minister emphasized that the overwhelming majority of ESY doctors act with honesty and conscientiousness, and urged citizens not to succumb to pressure for bribes, reminding them that ESY health services are provided free of charge. He also noted that he has already personally spoken with the complainant and assured him that his case will be investigated as a top priority.
“We will not allow such incidents to tarnish public health. The few exceptions will be eradicated,” the Minister stated emphatically.
