Crete's Hospitals Brace for Summer Amid Severe Staff Shortages

Monday, 25 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Crete's public hospitals are facing significant staff shortages, according to a recent report by POEDIN, the federation of public hospital employees. The investigation highlights a lack of doctors and nurses across the island, as well as ICUs and operating rooms running below capacity. The two main hospitals, PAGNI (University General Hospital of Heraklion) and Venizeleio in Heraklion, are under particular pressure heading into the busy summer season. Tourists visiting Crete should be aware that emergency care wait times may be longer than expected. For non-urgent medical needs, private clinics and medical centers are available across major tourist areas including Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno, and travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended before your trip.