Heraklion hospitals face critical staff shortage as wages drop

Saturday, 30 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Heraklion's public hospitals are facing a significant staff shortage, according to the vice president of POEDIN, the Greek public hospital workers' federation. Low salaries, some as little as 669 to 897 euros per month, are pushing young healthcare professionals to leave the public sector or seek work abroad. The official warned that buildings alone cannot deliver healthcare services, and that the public sector has become an unattractive employer. For tourists visiting Crete, this means public hospital wait times in Heraklion may be longer than expected, particularly during the busy summer season. Visitors are advised to carry valid travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage, and to consider private clinics for non-emergency care. Several well-equipped private medical facilities operate in Heraklion city and can be reached quickly from most resort areas in central and eastern Crete.