Zakynthos: Failed intervention by Georgiadis, after Pediatric Ward closure

There is widespread unrest and concern at the Zakynthos Hospital, as the operation of the Pediatric Clinic has been suspended due to a shortage of pediatricians.

It was already known that, after one of the two pediatricians at the hospital was suspended following an internal investigation into a 5-month-old baby with meningitis who was at risk of dying in February, only one pediatrician remained at the hospital.

A few days ago, the remaining pediatrician fell ill and took extended sick leave, resulting in the suspension of the clinic’s operations, as decided by the hospital’s board of directors.

As is clearly evident from the post by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, the Ministry of Health had taken no action to hire additional pediatricians, leaving both local children and parents, as well as the sole pediatrician who fell ill, in a precarious situation. This also created unsafe conditions for tourists with children who are expected to visit the island in the coming months.

In Retrospect and Awaiting a Solution to the Problem

Now, in yet another instance of ineffective communication, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has reportedly expressed regret that the only pediatrician became ill, despite doing nothing since February regarding the pediatric department at the Zakynthos Hospital.

The statement was both unacceptable and ineffective in terms of communication for a government minister, as it indirectly made it clear that he had paid no attention to the issue and that it would now be very difficult to find pediatricians.

As Georgiadis posted on Twitter: “After the tragic events with the pediatrician in Zakynthos and the internal investigation you ordered, we were left with one pediatrician. Unfortunately, she had a health problem. Today, we were about to transfer two doctors from Rio and Akrata, but just a while ago, one of the pediatricians we planned to transfer informed us that he was injured yesterday at the gym… In our large recruitment campaign, I included two new pediatrician positions for the Zakynthos Hospital. I’m posting this here so that it is known that we will hire a pediatrician for the Zakynthos Hospital, in whatever form of employment they desire. We have secured the necessary funding”.

Yet again, this is evidence that no matter how many mistakes Adonis Georgiadis makes, he continues to open his mouth, expose himself, and avoid taking responsibility.