The healthcare sector is entering the final stretch ahead of a two-day strike mobilization. On March 18, doctors in public hospitals are striking in a 24-hour nationwide strike called by OENGE, the National Union of Hospital Doctors (ΟΕΝΓΕ), with a rally at 12pm at the Ministry of Health. On March 19, all staff in public hospitals will strike in a 24-hour nationwide strike called by POEDIN, the National Federation of Hospital Worker Unions (ΠΟΕΔΗΝ). The strike rally in Athens will take place at the Ministry of Health at 9 a.m., followed by a march to the Ministry of Finance. The Hospital Coordination Committee (Συντονιστικό Νοσοκομείων) is fighting to organize a two-day strike “earthquake” for healthcare, with hospital tours, poster campaigns, and strike committees in hospitals.
The images coming from hospitals regarding the destitution and understaffing they face are tragic. Closed operating rooms currently total 400, while only 600 are in operation overall, according to a POEDIN announcement, and every small or large hospital suffers from understaffing and shortages. At Attikon Hospital, the stretchers left in corridors for patient care have reached 137, as workers reported at their general assembly last week. At the same time, the government is sending frigates to Cyprus, making it even clearer that the money it deprives healthcare of is being turned into weapons of war for Trump and Netanyahu. However, in the face of these “efforts”, hospital workers have been mobilizing throughout the previous period, locally and at each hospital, to save the National Health System (ESY).
The murderous Minister of Health is issuing threats on social media because he knows that in reality he and his government are unwelcome in any hospital they visit. This was demonstrated by the rally at Nikaia Hospital and at every hospital where the minister attempts to stage inauguration ceremonies. Last week, an example came from Thessaloniki. “A protest gathering was held on Wednesday, March 11, by healthcare workers together with patients at the gate of Papageorgiou Hospital in western Thessaloniki, on the occasion of the scheduled visit of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis,” reports Workers’ Solidarity in Thessaloniki. “The protest included banners from ENITH (Union of Hospital Doctors of Thessaloniki, ΕΝΙΘ) as well as the Hospital Coordination Committee, expressing healthcare workers’ opposition to policies of underfunding and the commercialization of public health. During the mobilization, slogans such as “Health, education, electricity and water are not commodities—they belong to the people” and “Money for health and education, not for the slaughterhouses of war” dominated, highlighting demands for strengthening public healthcare and increasing funding for social needs. The protest concluded without the minister appearing at the hospital gate, as his arrival was delayed, and ultimately his visit took place through a different entrance rather than the main one where the gathering was held.”
The strike in healthcare follows all previous struggles and is the best response to the government and its attacks. On the same day in Athens, workers from tax offices and customs will also be present, demanding wage increases and better working conditions. Later that same day, students will demonstrate at the Propylaea against the war. Thus, March 19 becomes a day of linking struggles and a step toward overturning the government and its policies in hospitals, public services, schools, universities, and beyond.