Significant increase in medical air evacuations in Greece since 2021
Patient air evacuations in Greece have shown a significant increase in recent years. According to recent data presented by the government, the number of transfers by air has more than doubled from 2021 to the present. This development highlights the needs of the healthcare system, especially in the most remote areas of the country.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistocleous, referred to these data, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical assistance. The increase in flights demonstrates the state's effort to provide better health services to citizens. Speed in transporting a patient can often save their life, particularly in emergency situations.
Air evacuations are essential primarily for the residents of the Greek islands. When a medical incident is serious and cannot be treated at the local health center or the island's hospital, transport to Athens or another large city is necessary. In this way, island residents feel safer, despite the distance from major hospitals.
For these transfers, helicopters and airplanes of the Hellenic Air Force are used, as well as assets from EKAB. The Greek government continues to invest in new equipment and personnel to make these flights more efficient. Cooperation between the various services is critical for the success of every transport operation.
In conclusion, strengthening healthcare on the islands and in the provinces remains a key priority. The goal for the future is the further improvement of infrastructure, so that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has rapid access to high-level medical care.