Greece: Nearly 50% of Hospital Complaints Related to Doctor-Patient Communication

Nearly 50% of hospital complaints in Greece are related to communication between doctors and patients. Consequently, healthcare facilities are beginning to review the quality of their services. This follows a rise in complaints submitted to the Health Service Consumer Rights Protection Office, as reported by eKathimerini.com.

In 2024 alone, 2,390 written and 6,097 verbal complaints were filed, along with over 17,800 other requests. Almost half of the reports concern the interaction between patients and staff. In 20.4% of cases, the issues involve scheduling. Meanwhile, 9.2% of complaints are for rude behavior and poor communication. Administrative delays account for 41.5% of complaints, while medical issues were reported in only 13.4% of cases.

In response, some hospitals are already taking measures—for example, in Thessaloniki, outpatient examinations have been increased, while other medical facilities have modified discharge procedures and strengthened their call centers.

The report highlights systemic issues such as staff shortages, a lack of transparency, limited access to services, and outdated infrastructure. Experts are calling for more personnel, better training, clear organization, and effective communication, which they believe will improve quality and trust in the healthcare system.