Greek Health Ministry proposes amendments to break university clinic bill deadlock

On October 8, 2026, Greek Minister of Health Neofytos Charalampidis presented a series of adjustments to long-stalled draft legislation regarding the establishment and regulation of university clinics in Greece. The proposal, discussed before the Parliamentary Health Committee, aims to resolve persistent disagreements between stakeholders without requiring the withdrawal of the current bill.

While reports vary on the specific number of modifications—one source mentions five key axes while another cites seven—the revisions address critical areas including administrative and clinical governance, the participation of the private sector, and patient rights. The Health Minister emphasized that legal responsibility for hospital operations will remain with the designated administrative authority, while ensuring university clinics maintain their academic and clinical stature. The minister noted that professional doctors' unions, the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY), and private hospitals generally support the institution.

This legislative effort follows years of ongoing debate and legislative delays. Minister Charalampidis urged for swift progress, stating that the government cannot afford further indefinite postponements. He indicated that the revised text could be submitted for consideration as early as today, despite acknowledging that some points of friction remain among stakeholders who have yet to review the final details of the proposed amendments.