Eastern Crete Hospital Ward Closes Over Doctor Shortage

Wednesday, 27 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The Internal Medicine ward at Sitia Hospital, in the far east of Crete, has been closed for over 18 months due to a severe shortage of doctors. Health worker unions recently raised the alarm, highlighting ongoing staffing gaps and the broader decline of public healthcare services in the Sitia region. For tourists visiting eastern Crete, this means that medical care for non-emergency internal conditions is not available locally. Visitors requiring urgent or specialist treatment may need to travel to Heraklion University Hospital, approximately 2.5 hours west. Travellers to the Sitia area are advised to ensure they carry adequate travel insurance, bring sufficient personal medication, and be aware that local hospital capacity is significantly limited.