Haidari hospital
The Athens University medical school is losing an historic opportunity to solve a problem which has haunted it since its establishment – namely, the creation of a proper university hospital to replace the now scattered university clinics. The negative stance by the great majority of university doctors forced Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos to bring the newly built, ultra-modern hospital in Haidari under the umbrella of the National Health System (ESY). Furthermore, the fact that the decision was made by the Cabinet leaves the medical school with little room for last-minute bargaining. It should be noted that that the crisis was triggered by the persistent refusal of university doctors to accept the legal provision which banned them from working in private clinics and running private surgeries. Their reaction was dictated by self-serving objectives, as under the new legislation they were set to lose a part of their huge tax-free incomes. Recent developments and public pressure forced university doctors to fortify themselves behind the demand that they take charge of the Haidari hospital. They are demanding, in other words, that they be left uncontrolled in the name of autonomy. Their rhetoric, however, conceals a will to impunity. In a way, they are seeking to restore their abolished privileges through the back door by transforming the university hospital into an income and tax haven. University doctors are right to point out that there is an insufficient number of amphitheaters, but the Health Ministry has already taken steps to tackle this problem. It will take some time, of course, before the new hospital functions properly. In truth, however, their objections are not related to the above. On Monday, the medical school’s general meeting will take a decision on the issue, but as we have already mentioned, the government has already made its decision, refusing to play into the hands of university doctors. The fact that they held a ballot to see whether they are willing to work in Haidari is a clear indication that they have lost all sense of moderation. However, even at the eleventh hour, doctors should put aside their factional interests and focus on the interests of the medical school, their students and public health. If they display the requisite responsibility, the government will also be forced by the public to review its decision.
