Heraklion: Amazing March to Save Venizeli Hospital (Photos)

Health workers, organizations and associations had a strong presence today in the massive mobilization in Heraklion for the future. Veniselio Hospital dIt has been in dire straits for a long time due to dire staff shortages.

A large number of people participated in the march with the basic demand to prevent the collapse of the nursing institute.

A magnificent procession started from Veniselio at around 10.30, passed through Knossos Avenue and Demokratia Avenue under the stream, before 12.00 noon, ending at Eleftherias Square, where a resolution on the Crete region was presented.

On the way to the center of Heraklion, the marchers received cheers from local shopkeepers and business workers, who cheered their support.

According to estimates, it was the largest march in Heraklion for public health, as a large number of citizens participated – in addition to agencies and health workers.

EKHI has announced a 5-hour strike till 4.00 pm to facilitate those from the private sector who want to participate in the mobilization.

Civil servants, NHS doctors and nurses were also on strike.

At the same time Strong reactions were caused by a document from the 7th Ministry of Crete, which requested the names of Venizeli’s doctors and workers participating in today’s mobilization to save the hospital.

The names were collected by the human resources management department of the hospital, and phone calls continued to be made to Venicelio’s directorates, who received the relevant document, in order to record the details of the strikes in time.

The move was characterized as particularly provocative by health workers fighting for their hospital.

Today’s rally took place in yesterday’s shadow Dismissal by Minister of Health of the Venizelos administration.

However, agencies and unions insist that problems in hospitals are not solely the responsibility of the management of nursing institutions but the responsibility of the relevant ministry.

The Mayor of Heraklion, Vassilis Lambrinos, attended Independence Square at noon on Wednesday, October 18, where a long protest march for the issues of the Veniseli Hospital ended. The march, which started from the hospital, was attended by thousands of people who also filled Eleftherias Square, as the mayor pointed out, “The community of Heraklion demands permanent and substantial solutions for Veniselio and for the public health system in Crete as a whole”.

The people of the area participated in a huge rally in support of the Venizeli Hospital

The Region of Crete participated in today’s Mass-Dynamic Meeting of Support for Public Health at the Veniselio Hospital. Eleftherias at the same time the President of the Regional Council of the Labor Union Vangelis Zaharis presented a declaration-decision in the presence of the Deputy Regional Governor Nikos Sirikonakis and the Secretary of the PS. Georgia Milakis. Manolis Menekakis, President of the Venetian Workers, Giorgos Costakis, President of Hospital Doctors, Alexandros Kafetsakis, President of ESY Doctors passed the resolution in the Regional Council Chamber, who thanked the Region of Crete and the Regional Governor personally. Venizelli and for his long-term support for the promotion of public health more broadly.

The head of the regional council expressed the support of the regional governor Stavros Arnotakis (who is currently absent from Athens) and the entire organization of the region to the doctors and workers union officials. Council of Crete. In fact, then the Regional Council President, greeted the large gathering at pl. Eleftherias noted the unanimous decision of the Regional Council of Crete to support Veniselio, while “Together with the Regional Governor and the Regional Council of Crete we join our voices today to participate in the demands of the Doctors’ Union, trade unions for better health in Veniselio and in all our hospitals for the benefit of citizens”. In the closing remarks, Mr. Zaharis recited.

Unanimous resolution of the Regional Assembly

«The Regional Council of Crete, during today’s meeting chaired by Evangelos Zaharis, unanimously decided to express its support in dealing with the problems faced by public health structures in Crete. He underlined the need to staff all the hospitals on the island and the Venizeli Hospital with medical and nursing staff that would support an integrated, complete and safe operation.

In this context, all clinics of the Venizeli Hospital are requested to immediately recruit permanent health and other staff, full and exclusive employment, necessary for the smooth operation. Permanentization of all subordinate employees with all types of contracts, with and without conditions. Don’t turn Venizelio into a health center. Strengthen and build new health centers.

PAGNI needs to be strengthened so that it can respond effectively to tertiary health care for the purpose it was created for.

In Lasithi, Rethymno and Chania hospitals, the permanent staff of all the specialized units requested by the health unions should be appointed immediately. Implementation of an exclusive public free healthcare system for all is the sole responsibility of the Central Government».

read more:

Veniselio: Great mobilization for the future of the historic hospital

Venizelio: The Minister of Health “corrupted” the hospital administration

Heraklion: City Council Resolution for Veniselio Hospital