Municipality Denies Doctor Arrest, Affirms Healthcare Continuity on Kastellorizo

The Municipality of Megisti has issued a statement to clarify inaccurate information circulating regarding a supposed arrest of a rural doctor and a lack of medical staff on the island of Kastellorizo. Following an emergency municipal council meeting, the municipality asserted that a general practitioner was already stationed on the island, guaranteeing the continuity of primary healthcare services for residents.

Contrary to reports, the Municipal Council emphasized that health services operated without interruption, and prescription services were maintained. The municipality addressed specific incidents that were reported, stating that these are independent of the staffing issues at the multi-purpose medical center of Megisti. These incidents, which are under investigation by authorities, reportedly involve aggressive behavior towards a 70-year-old resident and a municipal employee being allegedly locked in a common area by a rural doctor. However, the municipality stressed that no arrest with handcuffs took place.

The municipality also clarified its role concerning housing for rural doctors. It stated that it does not have a legal obligation to provide housing, as a housing allowance of 400 euros is available through the South Aegean Region's Galinos Foundation. Nevertheless, the municipality has historically provided municipal accommodations for medical and nursing staff. Management of these accommodations was handled by the medical center, which provided keys to the doctors. After being informed of maintenance needs on May 30, the municipality promptly undertook restoration work. An alternative rental property was identified for the doctor, subsidized by the housing allowance, but the doctor chose not to continue the lease after five days.

To bolster healthcare staffing, the Municipality of Megisti offers financial incentives, including a 1,000 euro bonus and free accommodation for the general practitioner position. Additionally, the Chatzigiannou Foundation provides a monthly supplement of 1,500 euros. These measures have already attracted interest, with four doctors expressing their intention to apply for the recently advertised position. The appointment of a new doctor is expected by the end of the month. The council also noted past behavioral issues concerning the same doctor at the Tinos Health Center, from which they had resigned, but stated that the evaluation of such matters falls under the purview of the relevant authorities.