Parliament addresses overcrowding and operational challenges at Athalassa Hospital

During a session of the Parliamentary Health Committee, officials from the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) reported severe operational challenges at Athalassa Hospital, including persistent overcrowding. Anthos Giannapis, chief nursing officer, highlighted that the facility is forced to admit a wide range of patients, including the homeless and those with drug addictions or autism, due to a lack of specialized alternative structures. In 2025, the hospital recorded 463 new admissions and 536 re-admissions, with 121 patients currently held under mandatory court-ordered hospitalization. Giannapis emphasized that social stigma often forces patients to wait until a crisis point before seeking help, and that community resistance frequently prevents the establishment of new support facilities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced that expansion works at the Athalassa Mental Health Center are proceeding as part of a 126 million euro investment plan for public hospitals. President Nikos Christodoulides held a meeting with OKYPY leadership to review the progress of these infrastructure projects. Committee Chair Savia Orphanidou has requested detailed documentation and clear timelines for improvement strategies by early September.